Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698939936835.pdf (Zambia)
REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ASSURANCES FOR THE FIRST SESSION OF THE THIRTEENTH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY Published by the National Assembly of Zambia REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ASSURANCES FOR THE FIRST SESSION OF THE THIRTEENTH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY Table of Contents 1.0 MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ............................................................................. 1 2.0 3.0 FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMITTEE ......................................................................... 1 PROCEDURE ADOPTED BY THE COMMITTEE .................................................. 1 4.0 MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE ........................................................................... 1 5.0 ARRANGEMENT OF THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE .............................. 1 PART I ........................................................................................................................................... 2 CONSIDERATION OF SUBMISSIONS ON NEW ASSURANCES ................................ 2 MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT .................... 2 02/21 Infrastructure Construction in Chipili District .......................................................................................... 2 06/21 Liuwa National Park Road Construction ......................................................................................................... 3 15/21 Kabwe/Mukobeko/Ngabwe Road ................................................................................................................. 4 18/21 Rehabilitation of Katete/Chanida Road .................................................................................................... 4 MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS ............................................................................................ 5 10/21 Nakonde Crime Rate .............................................................................................................................................. 5 12/21 Luapula Police Officers’ Houses
 ....................................................................................................................... 6 MINISTRY OF HEALTH .......................................................................................................... 7 01/21 Gwembe Health Posts Construction ............................................................................................................... 7 03/21 Maponde/Luamfula Health Post Construction in Solwezi East ..................................................... 8 17/21 University Teaching Hospital Bone Scanning Machine ....................................................................... 9 MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND ARTS ............................................................................... 10 16/21 Declaration of Barotse Flood Plain as World Heritage Site ............................................................. 10 MINISTRY OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE .............................................................. 16 13/21 Mkushi North Communication Towers Construction ....................................................................... 16 OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT .................................................................................... 16 07/21 Submerged Kapata Road ................................................................................................................................... 16 MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT ................ 17 11/21 Rehabilitation of Ngabwe District Feeder Roads .................................................................................. 17 08/21 Mkushi District Roads Rehabilitation ......................................................................................................... 18 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION ................................................................................................ 18 04/21 Chadiza District Day Secondary Schools Construction
 ........................................................................ 18 i PART II ....................................................................................................................................... 20 CONSIDERATION OF THE ACTION TAKEN REPORT ON THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE FOR THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE TWELFTH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ...................................................................................................................................................... 20 MINISTRY OF HEALTH ........................................................................................................ 20 02/20 Construction of Hospital at Msolo in Chief Nyampande's Chiefdom ....................................... 20 03/20 Upgrade of Health Centres in Mkaika ........................................................................................................ 20 01/19 Resumption on the Construction of Health Posts under the 650 Health Posts Project ..... 21 06/19 Nakanyaa Health Centre ................................................................................................................................... 22 12/19 Zamtan Health Centre Upgrading ............................................................................................................... 22 33/19 Theatre at Chimwemwe Mini Hospital/Local Tour ........................................................................... 23 42/18 Construction of a Clinic in Nashinga Area .............................................................................................. 24 57/18 Construction of Chalokwa Health Post in Siavonga District .......................................................... 24 02/14 Hospital Fast – Track Emergency Departments/Local Tour .......................................................... 25 26/15 - Renovation of Yuka Hospital ......................................................................................................................... 26 24/16
26 24/16 Update on Construction of 650 Health Posts Countrywide/Local Tours ................................ 27 04/15 Houses for Personnel in Sikongo District ................................................................................................. 29 MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT .................. 30 05/20 Upgrading of the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and Copperbelt International Airport/Local Tour .............................................................................................................................................. 30 06/20 Nabwalya / Mfuwe Road Construction .................................................................................................... 32 08/20 Stalled Chama/Matumbo and Chama/Lundazi Road Rehabilitation ..................................... 32 09/20 Washed Away Bridges in Msanzala ............................................................................................................ 33 10/20 Damaged Infrastructure Rehabilitation in Msanzala Constituency ............................................ 34 11/20 Bridge Construction ............................................................................................................................................. 34 12/20 Kanchibiya Constituency Bridges Reconstruction ............................................................................... 35 13/20 Kafue River Worn Out Bridge ........................................................................................................................ 35 14/20 Musa Secondary School Completion ........................................................................................................... 36 15/20 Vubwi Boarding School Completion ........................................................................................................... 37 04/20 University Construction ..................................................................................................................................... 37 02/19
37 02/19 Construction of Lwela Bridge in Milenge District ................................................................................ 38 30/19 Samfya/Mpanta/Kasoma Lunga Road Construction ........................................................................ 39 32/19 Tarring of Mung’anga/Mwenda/Kashiba Road .................................................................................. 40 08/18 Construction of Bridges in Mkaika Constituency ................................................................................. 40 ii 09/18 Tarring of Katunda Turn-Off/Lukulu/Watopa/Mumbeji Turn-Off and Manyinga/Mwinilunga Roads ....................................................................................................................... 41 11/18 Rehabilitation of Local Courts in Chitambo Constituency ............................................................. 42 13/18 Rehabilitation of Mpika/Kasama Road ..................................................................................................... 42 14/18 Construction of Sinda Day Secondary School ........................................................................................ 43 17/18 Muoyo Road ............................................................................................................................................................. 44 21/18 Mbesuma Bridge in Chisali Constituency ................................................................................................ 45 23/18 Bridges in Mufumbwe District ....................................................................................................................... 45 25/18 Secondary School in Chief Kucheka’s Chiefdom in Zambezi West ............................................ 46 27/18 Upgrade of Airport Road .................................................................................................................................. 46 28/18 C400 Road Project in Ndola
 ............................................................................................................................. 47 36/18 Construction of Bridges in Zambezi West ................................................................................................ 47 51/18 Construction of Infrastructure in Siavonga District ............................................................................ 49 11/15 Construction of the Lusaka-Kapiri Mposhi Dual Carriageway ..................................................... 49 20/15 Rehabilitation of Gwembe/Chisekesi Road ............................................................................................ 50 01/16 Masangano/Fisenge Road ................................................................................................................................ 51 02/16 Kalabo/Kalongola Road .................................................................................................................................... 51 06/16 Construction of Civil Servants’ Houses in Mitete ................................................................................. 52 13/16 Construction of Masaiti District Administration Offices .................................................................. 53 17/16 Post Office in Mitete ............................................................................................................................................. 54 19/16 North-Western Railway Concession ............................................................................................................ 55 32/16 Rehabilitation of the Tateyoyo Gate/Katunda Road Turn-Off ...................................................... 55 33/16 Road Signage between Chongwe and Luangwa Bridge ................................................................... 56 43/17 Construction of Bridges in Chitambo Constituency ............................................................................ 56 44/17 Tarring of Mukobeko
 Maximum Correctional Facility/Ngabwe Road/Local Tour ....... 57 45/17 Implementation of Link Zambia 8,000 Kilometre Road Project .................................................... 58 37/17B Staff Houses for Agricultural Camps in Chitambo ........................................................................ 59 41/17 Lundazi/Chama Road ........................................................................................................................................ 60 31/17 Tarring of Muyombe/Isoka Road ................................................................................................................. 60 32/17 Mbesuma/Kafwimbi Road .............................................................................................................................. 61 42/17 Infrastructure Development in Ngabwe ................................................................................................... 62 13/16 Upgrading of Mkushi Roads ........................................................................................................................... 63 18/16 Bridges in Lunte Constituency ....................................................................................................................... 63 06/17 Construction of Mulambwa and Kaunga Bridges ................................................................................ 64 18/17 Upgrading of Kalubanshi/Milenge Road ................................................................................................. 65 MINISTRY OF DEFENCE ....................................................................................................... 65 iii 11/15 – Connection of Luena Barracks to new Water System ....................................................................... 65 30/13 Resuscitation of Mulungushi Textiles/Local Tour .............................................................................. 66 MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY
 ....................................................... 68 03/18 Payment of Terminal Benefits for Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Company (ZISCO) Former Workers ...................................................................................................................................................................... 68 MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ............................................................................ 69 18/20 Chifubu Market/Local Tour ............................................................................................................................ 69 02/19 Upgrading of Mansa/Milambo Road ......................................................................................................... 70 16/18 Public Libraries in Ndola ................................................................................................................................... 71 40/18 Tarring of Township Roads in Mkushi District ..................................................................................... 71 43/14 Construction of infrastructure in Sikongo District ............................................................................... 72 44/14 National Fire Service Training School ........................................................................................................ 73 26/14 Rehabilitation of Kabwe Venus Theatre .................................................................................................... 73 22/16 Upgrading of Township Roads in Western Province ......................................................................... 74 05/14 Solwezi Township Roads .................................................................................................................................. 75 09/14 Modern Market for Solwezi ............................................................................................................................. 75 13/14 Construction of Chipili District Council Houses
 .................................................................................. 76 09/17 Feeder Road Rehabilitation in Lumezi Constituency ......................................................................... 76 28/17 Modern Bus Station and Three Market Shelters Construction in Katete .................................. 77 20/16 Modern Market and Bus Station for Chama District .......................................................................... 78 MINISTRY OF WATER DEVELOPMENT, SANITATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ........................................................................................................................... 78 19/20 Mufumbwe Constituency Borehole Sinking ........................................................................................... 78 24/18 Boreholes in Mushindamo District ............................................................................................................... 79 28/16 Rural Water and Sanitation Project in Mitete District ........................................................................ 79 29/16 Sinking of Boreholes in Lumezi ..................................................................................................................... 80 12/17 Serenje Water Reticulation System ............................................................................................................... 80 33/17 Water Reticulation System for Chiengi District ..................................................................................... 81 17/16 Dams and Boreholes in Nyimba District ................................................................................................... 82 14/13 Construction of Dams in Mapatizya Constituency .............................................................................. 82 05/16 Improvement of Water Reticulation in Samfya ..................................................................................... 83 OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
 .................................................................................... 84 20/20 Rural Roads Infrastructure Development in Kanchibiya ................................................................. 84 02/16 Establishment of the Disaster Relief Trust Fund ................................................................................... 84 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION ................................................................................................ 85 iv 04/19 Construction of University Colleges ............................................................................................................ 85 29/19 Milenge Trades Institute .................................................................................................................................... 86 16/19 Frozen Staff Positions .......................................................................................................................................... 87 19/18 Kaniki Primary School in Chifubu, Ndola/Local Tour ..................................................................... 88 26/18 Kasaba Day Secondary School ........................................................................................................................ 89 30/18 Teacher Transfers from Kaputa .................................................................................. 90 31/18 Computers for Gwembe Schools ................................................................................................................... 90 05/15 Construction of Teachers’ Houses in Chasefu Constituency .......................................................... 91 07/16 Chasefu Boarding Secondary School ........................................................................................................... 91 21/16 Classroom Blocks for Schools in Sikongo Constituency .................................................................... 92 31/16 Ncheka Primary School in Malambo
 ........................................................................................................... 93 13/15 Laboratories at Secondary Schools in Chasefu ....................................................................................... 93 30/14 Construction of Nakonde Secondary School ........................................................................................... 94 21 /17 Mufumbwe Day Secondary School Laboratory/Local Tour .......................................................... 95 28/17 Deployment of Teachers to Nangoma Constituency .......................................................................... 96 17/17 Electrification of Chama South Schools ..................................................................................................... 96 11/17 Construction of FTJ Chiluba University .................................................................................................... 97 14/15 Mumbwa Trades Training Institute ............................................................................................................. 97 40/14 Construction of King Lewanika University ............................................................................................. 98 34/13 Construction of Chalimbana, Mukuba and Kwame Nkrumah Universities/Local Tour 99 MINISTRY OF FINANCE ..................................................................................................... 100 44/18 Cage Fish Farming on Lakes Mweru, Kariba, Tanganyika and Kafue River and Nalolo District in Western Province ......................................................................................................................... 100 45/18 Zambia Aquaculture Enterprise Development Project ................................................................... 102 47/18 Geological Mapping Programme ............................................................................................................... 103 48/18 Energy Regulation and
 Electricity Bill ..................................................................................................... 103 50/18 Dam Construction at Kafue Gorge Lower Project and Maamba Thermal Plant ............... 104 51/18 Implement the Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff Regulatory Framework .......................... 106 52/18 Expansion and Modernisation of the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) .. 106 54/18 Decentralisation ................................................................................................................................................... 107 06/16 Macro Economic Objectives, Policies and Strategies for 2017 ..................................................... 108 MINISTRY OF FISHERIES AND LIVESTOCK ............................................................... 109 09/19 Chadiza Dip Tanks ............................................................................................................................................ 109 MINISTRY OF ENERGY ....................................................................................................... 110 15/19 Electrification of Chief Kabamba’s Palace and Kabamba Secondary School ....................... 110 v 04/17 Electrification of Chiefdoms in Mpika District .................................................................................... 111 38/17 Rural Electrification Programme in Kasama ........................................................................................ 112 05/18 Zesco Office for Chitambo District ............................................................................................................ 114 08/15 Construction of Filling Station in Kalabo ............................................................................................... 115 07/15 Construction of Electricity Power Plants ................................................................................................ 115 MINISTRY OF LANDS AND NATURAL RESOURCES
 ............................................... 116 38/19 Installation of Border Markers/Local Tours ........................................................................................ 116 10/14 Installation of the Zambia Integrated Land Management Information System (ZILMIS)118 37/19 Judgment for Public Service Retrenched Workers ............................................................................ 119 27/14 Kaputa Local Courts Staff Establishment .............................................................................................. 120 08/15 Local Court in Chief Chisomo’s area in Muchinga ........................................................................... 120 09/13 Local Courts at Nsumbu Business Centre ............................................................................................. 121 10/13 Local Courts in Nakonde District .............................................................................................................. 121 MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS ........................................................................................ 122 07/18 Chitambo Mission Police Post ...................................................................................................................... 122 37/18 Zambia Correctional Service Irrigation Project in Serenje ............................................................. 122 12/15 Construction of North-Western Province Police Administration Block ................................ 123 31/15 Construction of Milenge Police Post ......................................................................................................... 124 14/16 National Registration Office in Kalabo ................................................................................................... 124 12/15 Construction of Police Stations and Posts in Magoye Constituency ........................................ 125 15/15 Administrative Provisions for Itemba Police Post in Milenge District
 ................................... 126 16/15 Construction of office block and housing units for Police in Rufunsa District .................. 126 MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES ..................... 127 02/18 ZNBC Offices in Chinsali/Local Tour ..................................................................................................... 127 18/15 Radio Reception in Rural Areas .................................................................................................................. 129 SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY .................................................................................... 129 MINISTRY OF CHIEFS AND TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS ............................................. 130 38/14 1958 Chiefdom Boundaries Re-Designation ......................................................................................... 130 24/13 Construction of Palaces for Traditional Leaders in Serenje .......................................................... 131 16/16 Chieftainess Kanyembo’s Palace ................................................................................................................ 132 05/17 Rehabilitation and Electrification of Palaces for Chiefs Shibwalya Kapila and Mukupa Kaoma ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 133 MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND ARTS ............................................................................. 134 08/12 Restocking of Game Management Areas (GMAs) ............................................................................ 134 vi 30/15 Renovation of Department of National Parks and Wildlife (Formerly Zawa) Camp Houses in Lumezi ................................................................................................................................................................ 134 MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
 ......................................................................................... 135 37/17 Irrigation Schemes in Feira Parliamentary Constituency .............................................................. 135 17/14 Investments in Irrigation, Agro-processing and Livestock Sectors .......................................... 136 MINISTRY OF LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES ............................................................... 137 01/16 Construction of Dip Tanks in Nangoma ............................................................................................... 137 MINISTRY OF WORKS AND SUPPLY ............................................................................. 138 32/14 Construction of Lunsemfwa River Bridge in Rufunsa Constituency ...................................... 138 42/14 Construction of Immigration Department Offices at Nsumbu Border Post ........................ 139 03/15 Mbala-Kasaba Bay-Nsumbu Road ............................................................................................................. 140 PART III .................................................................................................................................... 140 FOREIGN TOUR REPORT ............................................................................................................................................ 140 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS .............................................................................................. 149 CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................................ 149 vii REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ASSURANCES FOR THE FIRST SESSION OF THE THIRTEENTH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 1.0 MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE The Committee consisted of Mr Elliot Kamondo, MP (Chairperson); Ms Julien Mfwanki Nyemba , MP (Vice Chairperson); Mr Emmanuel Banda, MP; Mr George Kasabila Kandafula, MP; Mr Robert Chabinga, MP; Mr Herbert Mapani, MP; Mr Kaliye Mandandi, MP; Mr M
 Nkulukusa, MP; Mr Francis Robert R Kapyanga, MP, and Mr Emmanuel Tembo, MP.
The Honourable Madam Speaker National Assembly Parliament Buildings LUSAKA Madam The Committee has the honour to present its Report for the First Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly.

FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMITTEE 2.0 The functions of the Committee are set out in Standing Order No 192 of the National Assembly Standing Orders, 2021.
PROCEDURE ADOPTED BY THE COMMITTEE 3.0 The Committee examined all contributions made by the Executive as recorded in the Daily Parliamentary Debates and extracted statements which amounted to assurances for consideration.

These were then referred to Government ministries concerned to find out the actions taken to implement the assurances.
Upon receipt of submissions from Government ministries and departments on the assurances, the Committee invited the respective Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executive Officers of the concerned ministries and departments to appear before it and give updates on the implementation of the assurances falling under their respective portfolios.
4.0 MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE The Committee held fourteen meetings during the period under review to consider both outstanding assurances as well as new assurances made on the floor of the House.
5.0 ARRANGEMENT OF THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE The Committee’s Report is arranged in three Parts: Part I deals with consideration of submissions on various new assurances identified while Part II deals with assurances outstanding from the Action-Taken Report on the Committee’s Report for the Fifth Session of the Twelfth National Assembly.

Part III deals with foreign tour.
1 PART I CONSIDERATION OF SUBMISSIONS ON NEW ASSURANCES MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT 02/21 Infrastructure Construction in Chipili District On Wednesday, 30th September, 2020, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Mr Speaker, the construction of the District Administration Block in Chipili District is at 76 percent completion and the project is expected to be completed by December, 2020.
Mr Speaker, the construction of the Civic Centre in Chipili District is at 38 percent completion and the project is expected to be completed by December, 2020.

Sir, the construction of a Post Office in Chipili District has reached 90 percent completion and works are expected to be completed in December, 2020.

The delay in completion of the projects has been due to financial constraints.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the contract for the construction of the District Administration Block in Chipili District was awarded to Woodrock Construction Limited in December, 2014 at a contract sum of K6,491,081.02.

The Committee was further informed that works on this project had progressed to 80 per cent completion.
The delay in completing these works was attributed to delayed payments of interim certificates and the challenges being faced by the contractor with regard to material cost fluctuation.

The Committee was however, informed that the Ministry had since paid all outstanding interim payment certificates to this contractor.
Further, the challenge regarding the price of material cost fluctuation was currently being addressed after guidance was sought from Ministry of Justice and authority granted by ZPPA for contract price adjustment.

The revised completion date would be determined once negotiations were concluded on the price fluctuation of material and funds secured to meet the new cost of remaining works.
Civic Centre and Two High Cost Houses With regard to the construction of the Civic Centre and two high cost houses, the Committee was informed that the contract was awarded to CMUC Investment Limited in December, 2014.

However, the contract was terminated due to poor performance by the contractor.

The contract was later awarded to Devine Link Contractors at a contract sum of K10,686,932.68 in May, 2019.

The Committee was also informed that works had now progressed to 70 per cent completion.
The delay to complete these works was attributed to delayed payments of interim payment certificates.

The Committee was however, informed that the Ministry had since paid all outstanding interim payment certificates to the contractor and the project was expected to be completed before the end of the first quarter of 2022 subject to availability of funds.
2 Post Office The Committee was informed that the contract for the construction of Chipili post office was awarded to Lamusa Company Limited in December, 2014 at a contract sum of K3,223,164.00, and works were at 90 per cent completion.

The delay to complete these works was attributed to late payments of interim payment certificates and the challenges being faced by the contractor with regards to fluctuation in the cost of material.
The Ministry had however, paid all outstanding interim payment certificates (IPCs) to the contractor.

Further the challenge regarding the price of material cost was currently being addressed after guidance was sought from Ministry of Justice and authority granted by ZPPA for contract price adjustment.

The revised completion date would be determined once negotiations were concluded on the price fluctuation of material and funds secured to meet the new cost of remaining works.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that funds are secured to facilitate the completion of the remaining works for the construction of infrastructure in Chipili District.

Further, the Committee urges the Executive to ensure that disbursement of funds is consistent to avoid additional cost due to price fluctuations and surcharge due to standing time.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the construction of infrastructure in Chipili District.

Liuwa National Park Road Construction 06/21 On 27th January, 2021, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Mr Speaker, the Government has immediate plans to design and construct a bridge across Luanginga River between Kalabo and Liuwa to create access to the other roads earmarked for construction in the Liuwa National Park.
The design for the Bridge has been included in the 2021 Road Sector Annual Work Plan.

So, the Government has plans, as indicated.

Mr Speaker, the procurement of the consultant to prepare the designs will commence during the First Quarter of 2021.

In the Annual Plan, we have allocated K2,000,000.00 towards the design of the Bridge.

The cost estimates of the construction of the bridge will only be known once the design is completed, and that will be in the First Quarter of 2021.
Executive’s Response In its update to the Committee, the Executive informed the Committee that the procurement process for a consultant to undertake feasibility study and detailed design for the construction of a bridge across Luanginga River between Kalabo and Liuwa did not commence in the first quarter of 2021.

This was because the Government just enacted the Public Procurement Act No.

8 of 2020 which made it a requirement to proceed to tender only if adequate funds were allocated for the Project.
The Road Development Agency (RDA) estimate for these designs was K10 million.

However, only K2 million had been set aside for the project, therefore, the procurement process could not commence as it would have been in violation with the provisions of section 56 (2) (a) of the Zambia Public Procurement Act No.
3 8 of 2020 which states that “a procuring entity shall commence procurement proceedings only if the procurement was within the approved budget and the approvals authority had confirmed the availability of funding for the procurement requirement”.

The Executive was therefore looking at other avenues to finance this project.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that alternative avenues of financing the project are secured to facilitate the construction of a bridge across Luanginga River between Kalabo and Liuwa to create access to the other roads earmarked for construction in the Liuwa National Park.
Further, the Committee urges the Executive to ensure that once funds are secured, disbursement should be consistent to avoid additional costs due to change of prices in the cost of materials and standing time.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the construction of a bridge across Luanginga River between Kalabo and Liuwa and construction of roads in the Liuwa National Park.
15/21 Kabwe/Mukobeko/Ngabwe Road On Tuesday, 9th February, 2021, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance on the floor of the House: the Government Mr Speaker, the aware Kabwe/Mukobeko/Ngabwe Road.

Sir, the Government through the Road Development Agency (RDA), is preparing to undertake emergency maintenance works on the Kabwe/Mukobeko/Ngabwe Road.

The works are scheduled to commence after the rainy season and will be undertaken by the RDA under the Force Account.
condition current the of of is Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the cost of the required works on the road section was estimated at K4,853,263.17 and K750,000.00 out of the budgeted amount was released and used to undertake works on part of the critical section by grading and re-graveling 20km.

The works covering 130km on the remaining sections would be undertaken once funds were released from the remaining balance.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that the outstanding balance is released to facilitate the completion of the remaining works.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
18/21 Rehabilitation of Katete/Chanida Road On Tuesday April 27, 2021, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made an assurance on the floor of the House as follows: Mr Speaker, the rehabilitation of the Katete/Chanida Road commenced with the signing of the works contract on 21st August, 2020.

Rehabilitation works have commenced and are ongoing.

Sir, the contractor on the project is Messrs Buildcon Investment Limited.
As of January, 2021, the contractor had been paid K17.8 million towards the advance payment.

4 Sir, the time frame for the completion of the project is eighteen months from the date of commencement.

Executive’s Response The contract for the emergency maintenance works on Katete - Chanida Road T6 (55 Km) in Eastern Province of Zambia was awarded to Buildcon Investments Limited at the contract sum of K256,867,965.88 VAT inclusive with the duration of eighteen months.
The project commenced on 4th September 2020.

The intended completion date was 4th March, 2022.

The contractor had so far been paid K17.8.

The contractor was currently carrying out pavement layer works and culvert installation on the reconstruction section from Km 0+000 to Km 3+000.

The overall progress of works was at 9 per cent.

The Committee was informed that the progress had been slow due to financial challenges.
In this regard, the completion date was likely to be extended due to slow progress of work.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with concern the slow progress in the rehabilitation of the Katete/Chanida Road due to financial challenges when at the time the assurance was being made on the floor of the House, it was submitted that rehabilitation works were ongoing.
Further, the Committee observes with concern that only 9 per cent of the road works were done despite the contractor having been paid K17.8 million towards the advance payment.

In this regard, the Committee urges the Executive to ensure that funds are secured for the rehabilitation of the Katete/Chanida Road.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS 10/21 Nakonde Crime Rate On Tuesday, 23rd February, 2021, the Minister Home Affairs made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that, indeed, the Government is aware that Nakonde Police Station does not have adequate transport to service the area.

However, the Zambia Police Service has enhanced foot patrols in the area.
Mr Speaker, the Government has provided a Turnland Foton pick-up vehicle to mitigate transport challenges in Nakonde.

The Government might also consider allocating additional motor vehicles to the station when resources are made available.

The House may also wish to note that a platoon from Kamfinsa Mobile Unit is currently in Nakonde District to beef up operations.

The Government is also in the process of engaging the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) Division to beef operations in the area.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that a Toyota Land Cruiser Pick-up which was in good working condition was taken to Nakonde District and that the Police 5 high command had withdrawn the Foton Pick-up which was there due to constant break downs.

The Committee also heard that Nakonde District had no Correctional Facility hence required adequate transport for conveying prisoners.
The Committee was further informed that in terms of manpower, the following Police Units were operating in Nakonde under the Nakonde District Police command and these are: Nakonde Police District, Nakonde Police Station, Tazara Police Station, and Paramilitary Unit that was providing security at Zambia Revenue Authority and a section of police officers from the protective unit.

The available manpower was policing Nakonde District effectively.
The Zambia Police Service had continued performing their duties through motorised and foot patrols.

The Committee was also informed that 114 police officers were policing Nakonde District.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that an additional vehicle is taken to Nakonde as was promised on the floor of the House as the lone Toyota Land Cruiser pick-up available in the District was not sufficient.
Further, the Committee urges the Executive to ensure that more police officers are deployed to Nakonde district as the 114 officers in the district were not sufficient to cater for the population.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
12/21 Luapula Police Officers’ Houses On Tuesday, 26th January, 2021, the Minister Home Affairs made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to construct 12,000 housing units for police officers across the country through the Ministry of Home Affairs Housing Project, which is being done in phases.

Accordingly, districts in Luapula Province, which include Mansa, Samfya, Mwense, Nchelenge, Kawambwa and Chipili will be considered.
The Government has just completed the first phase of the project consisting of 2,350 housing units.

Madam Speaker, the Government will embark on the second phase of the project as soon as fiscal space allows.

Madam Speaker, the following is the breakdown of houses earmarked for construction: District No.
of Houses Mansa 113 Samfya 96 Mwense 93 Nchelenge 102 Kawambwa 93 Chipili 93 Madam Speaker, I want to hasten to state that, currently, a police station and ten housing units are under construction in Chipili District.

Executive’s Response 6 The Committee was informed that the Government had just completed the first phase of the Ministry of Home Affairs Housing Project in which 12,000 housing units were earmarked for construction.
The Committee was further informed that 2,350 housing units were constructed in the first phase of the project countrywide.

In the case of Luapula Province, the Committee was informed that 590 housing units were earmarked to be constructed as follows: District Number of Houses Mansa Samfya Mwense Nchelenge Kawambwa Chipili 113 96 93 102 93 93 The Committee was further informed that the second phase of the project had not commenced due to non-availability of resources.
The Project would resume as soon as fiscal space allowed.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that funds are made available without further delay to facilitate the construction of the remaining 9,650 housing units.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the construction of housing units for police officers in Luapula Province.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 01/21 Gwembe Health Posts Construction On Tuesday, 15 September, 2020, the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, on behalf of the Minister of Health made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Mr Speaker, the construction of the ten health posts in Gwembe Parliamentary Constituency under the 650 health posts project commenced with three out of the ten designated health posts, which are at 90 per cent completion.
The contractor is on site and is expected to complete all the ten health posts by the end of December 2020, as per programme.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the status quo on the construction of the ten Health posts in Gwembe Parliamentary Constituency under the 650 Health Post Project had not changed from the time the assurance was made.
The Committee heard that the construction of the remaining 32 Health Posts out of 195 Health Posts allocated to Megha Engineering International Limited in Lusaka, Southern and Western Provinces had since stalled and the contractor had demobilised.

The situation arose after the contractor claimed for additional US$1,670,228.00 amendment to the contract citing reasons that his materials for wall panels and other accessories had been damaged during the period when the project was under suspension.
7 A meeting was held in June, 2021 with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, Indian Exim and Megha Engineering to review the progress and find a way forward on the project.

The major outstanding item was renewal of performance guarantee bonds on the contract by Megha Engineering in order to reactivate the contract that was deemed dormant.

In the meeting the contractor was requested to renew his performance guarantee bonds and get back to site by mid-July, 2021.
However, in a letter dated 23rd August, 2021 the contractor indicated that he would not provide the performance guarantee bonds unless the contract was amended.

The Committee was further informed that the Ministry had engaged Ministry of Justice to commence the process of terminating of the contract using the appropriate clause in the contract.

After termination, the Government through the Ministry would advertise and engage another contractor to complete the remaining works.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee notes with concern that materials already on site are going to waste due to suspension of works.

The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to ensure that the termination of the contract with Megha Engineering is expedited to facilitate the procurement of another contractor to complete the remaining works.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
03/21 Maponde/Luamfula Health Post Construction in Solwezi East On Friday, 2nd October, 2020, the Minister of Health made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Mr Speaker, the construction of the Maponde/Luamfula Health Post in Solwezi East Parliamentary Constituency is amongst the 650 health posts that were to be constructed under the Indian line of credit, and this construction is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2021.
Mr Speaker, the delay in the construction of the health post was initially caused by the termination of the contract by Angelique International Limited, which was to undertake the works.

The new contractor, Jaguar Oversees Limited, is now on site in the North-Western Province and has been building health posts in various parts of the province.

However, the challenge has been that the road is impassible during the rainy season.
Currently, the contractor is working with the provincial administration to create access to ensure that materials could be transported to the site.

Mr Speaker, the health post will be open to the public not later than the first quarter of 2021.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the construction of Luamfula Health Post was awarded to Jaguar Oversees Limited under 650 Health Posts Project.
The contractor abandoned the site due to Government failure to open the Letter of Credit for the contractor to get payment.

8 The Committee was further informed that the Government had allocated funds in the 2022 Ministry of Health Budget to complete the remaining forty-seven out of 201 health posts that were allocated to Jaguar Oversees Limited under the 650 health posts project.

The construction of Luamfula Health Post was expected to commence once the contractor remobilised within 2022.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that works commence at Luamfula Health Post immediately the contractor remobilises within 2022 and resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
17/21 University Teaching Hospital Bone Scanning Machine On Thursday, 29 April, 2021, the Minister of Health made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Madam Speaker, the bone scanner at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) broke down about a year ago.

The equipment will not be repaired because it is over ten years old and obsolete; it has exceeded its lifespan, and its running costs were very high.
Madam, the Government has plans to procure two modern state-of-the-art bone scanners and has secured a loan from the Austrian Government for that purpose.

The tender processes were done three weeks ago.

One of the machines is a single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT-CT) costing about US$1.1 million while the other costs US$900,000.

Both machines will be installed at the UTH and, on average, will serve 2,400 patients with various health conditions, including renal and cardiac ones, yearly.
Madam Speaker, in the absence of the machine, alternative machines, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, computerised tomography (CT) scanners and specific markers in the laboratory, have been used to guide diagnosis.

Madam, the two machines are expected to be installed in the third quarter of 2021.

The supplier is AME International of Austria.


I should have mentioned that earlier Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the procurement of the Single-photon emission computed tomograpghy (SPECT-CT) which was sometimes referred to as a Bone Scanning machine was under way.
This procurement of the SPECT-CT and the other bone density scanners was through a loan from the Austrian Government in which the process of securing the loan approvals and accessing of the financing was being considered by the Government through the Ministry of Finance.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to expedite the process of securing the loan approvals to facilitate for the procurement of the bone scanning machine.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
9 MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND ARTS 16/21 Declaration of Barotse Flood Plain as World Heritage Site On Friday, 30th April, 2021, the Minister Tourism and Arts made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Mr Speaker, yes, the Government of the Republic of Zambia has plans to declare the Barotse Flood Plain in the Western Province as a world cultural landscape in line with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Convention.
Sir, the plan to declare the Barotse Flood Plain as a cultural landscape is under implementation and will be concluded next year.

The implementation should have been completed this year, but key stakeholders were of the view that all efforts needed to be directed towards the sensitisation of the local communities.
Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the State Party of Zambia through the National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC) had been working on the Barotse Plains Cultural Landscape nomination proposal to the World Heritage Convention of UNESCO.
The process began in 2007/8 when permission was sought and site was placed on the tentative list of UNESCO after the Commission had observed with interest that the Barotse Plains environment and its people had built an intricate nexus which was uniquely symbiotic and consistent for over a period of 400 years.
It was clear before the Commission experts that the nature- nurture relationship of the Lozi people and their environments had knitted a phenomenal inter- dependence lifestyle amidst a Traditional Management System (TMS), within which, otherwise Outstanding Universal Values were created and have been harnessed as an outstanding culture, which defines the Lozi people in an exceptional way and was worth Global recognition.
The justification of Barotse Plains Cultural Landscape for World Heritage Nomination project was based on the heritage value elements which constitute outstanding universal values for humankind.
The recognition of such sites represent a commitment to future generations that the international community has a duty to uphold, as embodied in Article 6(1) of the World Heritage Convention (WHC) which states that “…such heritage constitutes a world heritage for whose protection it is the duty of the international community as a whole to cooperate.” The progress made by NHCC towards the declaration proposal of the BPCL is herein as presented in a summary form in the table below: SN DATE/YEAR/ PERIOD 01 2011 ACTIVITY AND PLACE COMMENTS Project meeting for all Senior Chiefs in Mongu The nomination project of the BPCL introduced to and discussed with all the senior Chiefs in Western Province 10 02 2014 Report an Commission Receives from Evaluation on International Council Monuments Sites (ICOMOS) of the UNESCO about the concerning areas that need more information and articulation.
and Report advised the State Party of Zambia to: -Create a constituency of grass root support for the listed BPCL property, -Survey, document, and record the physical manifestation of the wider landscape cultural floodplain including the Liuwa Plains National Park and all of its traditional land management practices (To ensure that documentation of all heritage and the proposed BPCL property complies with UNESCO standards), resources cultural in -Map the the key aspects of Landscape, provide the dynamics of the community organization, and information on provide sufficient socio-economic and issues Outstanding Universal Values; their location, integrity and authenticity, -Revisit management plan for the listed shared vision and the 03 2015 BPCL property of the site among others.
Commission advised to halt nomination activities by His Majesty the Litunga (BRE) till further to notice circumstances at the time.
due but • Commission complies with the advice continues with conservation activities such as the rehabilitation works of Kwandu in Lealui and Kanyonyo historic school 04 2016-17 Commission intensifies identification and documentation of heritage Tourism Sites in Western Province • Several sites documented and documentary produced 11 2018 BRE advises the Commission to go the ahead with nomination programme 06 2019 07 2019 Heads of Kuta meeting convened at Accams Lodge, Mongu, in July, 2019 a consultative Convened and sensitization meeting with 11 Silalo Induna of Nenkuyu/Libonda Chiefdom of Chieftainess Mboanjikana • The Commission sets off in Partners with the World Wide Fund to collaborate on the BPCL for Nature (WWF) • World Heritage nomination programme • Two senior representatives from each District Kuta attended the workshop on the Nomination proposal of the BPCL • Meeting was progressive and Induna were positive and in support of the nomination idea.
• The Silalo Induna are within and contiguous to the Liuwa Plains National Park, which is also a historic and traditional park.
08 2019 Identification documentation of Heritage and • 23 cultural and mixed sites documented Resources in Liuwa National Park • Liuwa Plains National Park included to the proposed area for World Heritage Status 09 2019 embarks The Commission, BRE and WWF on consultative and sensitization meetings in all the seven District Kuta across the length and breadth of the Province, while paying special attention to the core zone of the project.
Three to four community meetings were held in each District Kuta area, except Lwambi chiefdom where meetings ended with the Kuta itself and the Royal Highness, Litunga La Mboela on the premise that she needed to better understand and appreciate the project proposal.

This implies that at least a total of 18 Kuta and community meetings were conducted in 2019 across the project site.
10 2019 embarks The Commission, BRE and on WWF consultative and sensitization meetings with Civil Society (CSOs) and Organisations 12 • About 30 Departments engaged on property Government the • About 18 Civil Society 11 2019 12 2019-2020 13 2020 14 2020 15 2020 16 2020 Organisations engaged • Meeting held at Government Complex • Meeting progressive • Consultancy report done and submitted • Elements of report incorporated into the nomination dossier • Induna meeting was active and views, opinions including fears were shared.
• Clarification was given and progress was made • Meeting was progressive Government Departments as key stakeholders Commission, WWF and BRE MP engages Stakeholders of Mukola Engagement Memorial Trust Consultants With Financial Support from WWF and to document inventory of cultural and natural resources management and governance practices through Traditional Management System (including on forest, fisheries and bird conservation).
Commission, BRE, WWF held consultative meeting in Senanga with 60 Silalo and other Senior BRE Induna from Lwambi, Kaunga Mashi, Kaunga Mashi and Mwandi Chiefdoms Commission, BRE, WWF held consultative meeting in Limulunga with 70 Silalo and other senior BRE induna for Lealui, Libonda, Naliele and Namayula Chiefdoms of Mines • Discussions were progressive but Commission, BRE and WWF two Meetings with held Ministry and Mineral Development over the BPCL World Heritage Nomination Proposal Engagement of Media Houses • All media houses in Western • Mines indicated that they do not have information, still need to do explorations needed more interaction.
Province.

• A number of Media houses in Lusaka and Livingstone 13 17 2020 Development Communication strategy for of a the Project • Production of documentaries • Production of videos • Production of IEC materials • Production of IEC materials • Use of social media platforms 18 2021 19 2021 Continued activities to Create a constituency of grass root support for the listed BPCL and intensified Communication Strategy.
of Distribution the Nomination dossier and the Integrated proposed Management Plan documents with stakeholders to improve information and access demystify unfounded fears about nomination the programme.
to 20 2021 • Feedback and validation of IMP and Dossier 21 2021 BPCL Campaign Launches 22 2019 To date Augmentation of Nomination Dossier and IMP 14 • Phase II series of Meetings with Communities, Kuta, Government departments, CSOs radio • Intensified Local and programmes on (Local, Lusaka and Livingstone) • More IEC materials (brochures, the TV subject fliers, posters) • BPCL nomination dossier and proposed integrated Management Plan shared with all District Commissioners’ offices in WP, save Sikongo, Nkeyema and Shangombo • Dossier and IMP also shared with District Councils, DEBS offices, Fisheries, National Forestry, Assembly offices, Individuals and CSOs.
• Material also shared with BRE (His Majesty, the 7 Kuta and individuals).

• Meetings to evaluate and validate contents of the Dossier and IMP was held with District Kuta, and some Silalo induna in the Province • Held campaign Launches Lusaka and Livingstone • Grand Launch planned Senanga yet to be held in for • Augmentation as engagements with stakeholders continue.
continues 23 2021 Finalisation activities Integrated Management Plan • Nomination Dossier • • Community, and Department Government engagement disseminate the information about the proposed nomination of BWHCL.

CSO • Engage the community and create a platform the community to participate and discuss the subject of BWHCL in totality.

for • Present the incentives, opportunities and implications the the declaration of for property as a World Heritage Site.
• Educate and/or learn from each other on a number of topical issues which are integral to the BWHCL.

• Create a reservoir of knowledge for stakeholders and message bearers as well as the general processes, on citizenry legislations and opportunities available for project.
• February, 2022 24 2022 Submission Nomination UNESCO for consideration of Dossier the to The Committee was further informed of the following progress on the declaration of the Barotse Plains Cultural Landscape as a World Heritage Site: i. ii.

iii.

iv.

v. NHCC, WWF and BRE had been to all the districts on consultative and sensitization activities, except, Mulobezi, Shangombo, Sikongo and Nkeyema.
All the seven District Kuta for senior chiefs namely: Lealui, Lwambi, Libonda, Mwandi, Naliele, Namayula and Kaunga Mashi were engaged.

In every Kuta area, three communities were met on the matter.

IEC materials were distributed and discussed at different levels of community, Kuta, Government Departments and CSOs.

Information dissemination through radio and television had been addressed 15 vi.
At least 110 Silalo Induna had been engaged, both in their respective areas or jurisdiction with their people and where they were invited and engaged amongst themselves.

vii.

Other Indunas such as Inete’s Kuta, Namuso had also been engaged.

viii.

All areas of outstanding universal values had been appropriately presented Engagement had been continuous across levels; sectors, age groups, and different interest groups on the BPCL identified and ix.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the progress made on the plan to declare the Barotse Flood Plain in the Western Province as a world cultural landscape in line with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Convention resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE 13/21 Mkushi North Communication Towers Construction On Tuesday, 26th January, 2021, the Minister Transport and Communication made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to construct twelve communication towers in Mkushi North Constituency.

The plans were completed in 2017 and shared with all relevant stakeholders, including Hon.

Members of Parliament.


Madam Speaker, twelve towers were earmarked for construction in Mkushi North Constituency and all of them have been constructed.

Three towers are on air while nine are yet to be brought on air.

The project is expected to be completed within the course of 2021.
Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that of the twelve communication towers earmarked for construction four were on air while eight earmarked for operationalisation in Mkushi North Constituency had not yet been undertaken.

The delay in bringing the eight towers on air was due to financial constraints.

The Ministry had however, placed priority on this project and was expected to be completed within 2022.

The Committee was informed that it would be updated of any progress that would be made.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission resolves to await a progress report on the construction of the remaining eight communication towers earmarked for construction within 2022.
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT 07/21 Submerged Kapata Road On Wednesday, 7th April, 2021, the Minister in the Office of the Vice-President made the following assurance on the floor of the House: 16 Mr Speaker, the Government is aware of the submerged part of the Kapata Road between Bulongwa and Chisanka in Bangweulu and that the submerged part of the road is about 300 m in length.
Sir, to mitigate the situation, the Government, through the Road Development Agency (RDA), has been on site to assess the situation and commence works.

At present, the technical team is waiting for the water to subside before the works can commence.

The expected works will cover the entire stretch of the road from Samfya to Twiingi and branch off to Mpanta area.

This will be executed as a project once the rains have subsided.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the Road Development Agency had started rehabilitating the road beginning from Samfya to Twiingi and so far 17Km had been worked on.
The Committee heard that it was envisaged that the stretch in question would be completed before the onset of the rains and should the contractor face challenges to reach Mpanta area, it would be ensured that the submerged part of the Kapata Road between Bulongwa and Chisanka in Bangweulu was made in the rainy season.

However, due to the weather conditions, RDA would not work on the affected part of the road.
A strategy was however derived to get one excavator to open up the area so as to reduce the water and make it passable.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that rehabilitation works commence without further delay and resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT 11/21 Rehabilitation of Ngabwe District Feeder Roads On Wednesday, 31st March, 2021, the Minister Local Government made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Madam Speaker, the rehabilitation of 55km of feeder roads in Ngabwe District commenced in March, 2020, after the Government signed the contract through the Ministry of Local Government, at a total cost of K59,366,861.34.
Madam Speaker, the contractor for the project is Tonlex Investments Limited and the project is expected to take about twenty-four months to be completed.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the rehabilitation of 55km of feeder roads in Ngabwe District which commenced in March, 2020 was ongoing with works at 30 per cent completion.

The Committee heard that progress on the project had been slow due to funding constraints.
17 Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission observes with concern the slow pace at which the rehabilitation of feeder roads in Ngambwe District is going.

The Committee urges the Executive to ensure that funds are secured to facilitate the completion of rehabilitation of feeder roads.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
08/21 Mkushi District Roads Rehabilitation On Thursday, 18 February, 2021, the Minister Local Government made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that the rehabilitation of township roads in Mkushi District was due to be completed in December, 2020.

However, due to budgetary constraints, the time frame for the completion of works has been adjusted to December 2021.

Sir, the delay in completing the project is due to budgetary constraints.
The name of the contractor is Stalwart Investment Limited and the time frame for the completion of the project was initially 14 months.

However, having adjusted the completion date, the time frame is now 26 months.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the rehabilitation of township roads in Mkushi District was ongoing and progress was at 15 per cent.

The Committee also heard that the completion date for the project was further extended from December, 2021 to October, 2022.
This was as a result of funding constraints.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that funds are secured to facilitate the completion of remaining works on the rehabilitation of township roads in Mkushi District.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION 04/21 Chadiza District Day Secondary Schools Construction On Tuesday, 13 October, 2020, the Minister of General Education made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Mr Speaker, Kalemba and Chanida Day Secondary Schools are among the eighty-two low-cost day secondary schools which are being constructed by the Ministry of General Education with a loan facility from the World Bank.

Sir, the total cost of each of these schools was estimated at K3,500,000.
The work content for each of these projects at each of these schools includes the construction of a 1x2 classroom block, one home economics and science block, one boys’ toilet block, a 1x3 classroom block, an administration block, a girls’ toilet block, two blocks of semi-detached teachers’ flats, furniture, a water reticulation system and water supply.
Mr Speaker, according to the project design, the construction and installation of water and power facilities was planned to commence in January, 2018, and end by December 2020.

18 However, the works commenced in September 2018, and they were designed to be undertaken in two phases.
The first phase involved the construction of a 1x2 classroom block, a home economics and science block, a boys’ toilet block, a science laboratory, and the supply of school furniture for the classrooms, as well as the drilling and equipping of a borehole.
Phase II involved the construction of a 1x3 classroom block, an administration block, a girls’ toilet block, two blocks of semi-detached teachers’ flats, the supply of furniture for the three classrooms, the installation of a piped water supply system and power supply.

Mr Speaker, the project period was expected to last three years from January 2018 to December 2020.

However, due to the late commencement of Phase I works, the two schools that the hon.
Member asked about are expected to be fully completed with all the piped water and power supply systems in place by the end of March 2021.

Executive Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted as follows: Kalemba Day Secondary School The Committee was informed that the Ministry had made progress on Kalemba Day Secondary School construction.
The Committee heard that the project received K160,000.00 and K2,297,021.00 in November, 2021 to complete Phase I and Phase II structures, respectively.

The Committee was further informed that Phase I involved the construction of a 1 x 2 Classroom Block, a 1 x 2 Classroom Block for Home Economics and Science Laboratory (HE/Laboratory), and one ablution block.
The Committee also heard that although the classroom block was not fully completed pending wiring works, it was operational with one hundred and twenty-two pupils, of which seventy were boys and fifty-two were girls.

The school was reported to have twelve teachers, eleven males and one female.
Further, the Committee was informed that the school was provided with two hundred and twenty-five chairs, two hundred and twenty- five tables, forty-five science laboratory stools, five office tables and five office chairs.

The Committee was further informed that the Home Economics and Science Laboratory were fully furnished and operational, but awaited the provision of equipment.

The process of procuring science laboratory and home economics equipment was underway.
The Committee was informed that Phase II comprised a 1 x 3 classroom block, two semi- detached flats, an administration block, two ablution blocks, and a water reticulation system.

The phase II works were underway and scheduled to be completed by 30th June, 2022.

Chanida Day Secondary School The Committee was informed that despite the Ministry paying ZESCO to connect Chanida Day Secondary School to the main national power grid in December, 2020, the utility Company has not honoured its obligation.
19 The Committee was further informed that the school was operational with one hundred eighty-one pupils of which one hundred were boys and eighty-one were girls.

The Committee also heard that the school has twenty teachers of which fifteen were males and five females.

The Ministry had provided the school with two hundred and twenty-five chairs, two hundred and twenty-five tables, forty-five Science laboratory stools, five office tables and five office chairs.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that Kalemba and Chanida Day Secondary Schools are fully completed with all the piped water and power supply systems in place without further delay.

The Committee resolves to await a comprehensive progress report on the matter.
PART II CONSIDERATION OF THE ACTION TAKEN REPORT ON THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE FOR THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE TWELFTH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MINISTRY OF HEALTH 02/20 Construction of Hospital at Msolo in Chief Nyampande's Chiefdom On 5th March, 2020, the Minister of Health made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Madam Speaker, the Government, through the Ministry of Health, has already broken ground for the construction of the mini-hospital at Msolo.
The previous Committee, in noting the submission, had urged the Executive to ensure that works commence within 2021 as submitted and had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the Executive was still committed to the construction of a mini hospital at Msolo in Chief Nyamphande's area.
However, due to limited fiscal space, the construction of the mini hospital at Msolo was rescheduled to commence in the 2022 – 2024 Medium Term Expenditure, should funds be available.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee expresses concern at the growing tendency by the Executive of making assurances on the floor of the House when funds are not available.
The Committee thus urges the Executive to ensure that the construction of a mini hospital at Msolo in Chief Nyamphande’s area commences within the 2022 – 2024 Medium Term Expenditure.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
03/20 Upgrade of Health Centres in Mkaika On 5th March, 2020, the Minister of Health made the following assurance on the floor of the House: 20 Madam Speaker, the Government will add additional infrastructure to Vulamkoko and Chimtende health centres so that they can operate at mini hospital status by the third quarter of this year.
The previous Committee in noting the submission had urged the Executive to ensure that works were rolled over into the 2021 Infrastructure Operational Plan as submitted and had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that due to limited fiscal space, the construction of additional infrastructure at Vulamkoko and Chimtende health centres was rescheduled to commence in the 2022 – 2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework should funds be made available.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with concern that the Executive has continuously failed to implement projects as they are promised on the floor of the House due to financial constraints.

In this regard, the Committee urges the Executive to ensure that assurances are only made when funding is made available to avoid the accumulation of outstanding assurances.
Further, the Committee urges the Executive to seriously treat assurances with the seriousness they deserve and ensure that the construction of additional infrastructure at Vulamkoko and Chimtende health centres commence within the 2022 – 2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on.
01/19 Resumption on the Construction of Health Posts under the 650 Health Posts Project On 18th September, 2018, the Minister of Health made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, by way of giving a background, the contract for the construction of health posts covering the Northern Province, the Luapula Province, the Muchinga Province and the North-Western Province was terminated and works stalled two years ago.
Mr Speaker, I am happy to report that the Government has completed the procurement process for the construction of the 201 health posts in the four provinces.

Construction will resume between 30th September and 10th October 2018.

Sir, the contractor is Oversees Jaguar Limited and the contract was signed on 30th August, 2018 and will run for eighteen months.
The previous Committee in noting the progress made had urged the Executive to ensure that the remaining seventy-seven health posts were completed without further delay.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee indicated that the health posts covering Northern, Muchinga, North-Western and Luapula provinces were being undertaken by Jaguar Overseas Limited after the original contract with Angelique International was 21 terminated.

The health posts completed in the above-mentioned provinces as of December, 2020 were as follows: North-Western Province: Northern Province: Luapula Province: i. ii.

iii.

iv.
iii.

iv.

Muchinga province: 48/64 54/59 29/48 23/30 Further, the Committee was informed that Government had allocated funds in the 2022 Ministry of Health Budget to complete the remaining forty-seven health posts.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission bemoans the slow pace at which the Executive is implementing this project and urges it to ensure that the remaining forty-seven health posts are completed within 2022 as they have been budgeted for.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

06/19 Nakanyaa Health Centre On 18th June, 2019 the Minister of Health made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to upgrade Nakanyaa Health Centre in Nalikwanda Parliamentary Constituency into a mini-hospital and it intends to do this in the fourth quarter of 2019.
The previous Committee had expressed concern that nothing had been done to actualise the project despite the Executive having had made an assurance to commence the upgrade of Nakanyaa Health Centre in Nalikwanda Parliamentary Constituency into a mini-hospital in the fourth quarter of 2019.

The Committee, therefore, urged the Executive to desist from making commitments on the floor of the House before the requisite funds were secured and had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive, in its update to the Committee, indicated that it was still committed to upgrading Nakanyaa Health Centre in Nalikwanda Parliamentary Constituency into a mini- hospital.

The Committee was further informed that the upgrading of Nakanyaa Health Centre was planned to commence in the 2022-2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework, should funds be available.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee notes the submission with concern considering that the upgrading of Nakanyaa Health Centre into a mini hospital has been outstanding for the past three years.

The Committee, therefore urges the Executive to ensure that the construction of Nakanyaa Health centre commences within the 2022 – 2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
12/19 Zamtan Health Centre Upgrading On 20th June, 2019, the Minister of Health made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, Zamtan Health Centre is being upgraded to mini hospital status.

The plan is to implement the Project in the third quarter of this year (2019).
22 The previous Committee had expressed disappointment with the response made by the Executive, considering that an assurance was made on the floor of the House after the pronouncement of the policy by the Executive that it would only fund projects which were 80 percent and above complete.

Further, the Committee had expressed concern that the upgrade of the health facility was rescheduled to an unknown date.
In this regard, the Committee had strongly urged the Executive to pay particular attention to assurances made on the floor of the House, and to ensure that they were actualised as promised.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive, in its update to the Committee, submitted that it was still committed to the upgrade of Zamtan Health Centre into a mini hospital under the NMS Infrastructure Limited project which was constructing 108 mini hospitals and three district hospitals in Zambia.
The Committee was further informed that after the contractor had done the reconnaissance survey and the Topographical, Geophysical, Hydrological surveys; and Environmental Impact Assessments it was found that the site was inadequate and the Government through the Ministry of Health was looking for an alternative site.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to urgently find an alternative site where a mini hospital can be constructed without further delay, as continued delay will disadvantage the surrounding communities.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
33/19 Theatre at Chimwemwe Mini Hospital/Local Tour On 13th February, 2019, the Minister of Health made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the theatre at Chimwemwe Mini Hospital shall be operational by the end of the first quarter of 2019.

Currently, the Government is in the process of procuring equipment required to operationalise the theatre.

Sir, the theatre was handed over by the contractor in September, 2017.
The cause of the delay in operationalising it and the x-ray facility is the lack of appropriate theatre and x-ray equipment.

Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Health has plans to procure and install a generator set at the theatre annex, as backup power for optimal operations of the theatre and the x-ray department.
The previous Committee in noting the progress made, had urged the Government to ensure that the x-ray equipment was delivered as submitted, and that funds were urgently secured for the procurement of the generator.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that procurement of both the x-ray equipment and the back- up power supply was expected to be procured in the 2022-2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework, should funds be available.

During its local tours, the Committee visited the Chimwemwe Mini Hospital in Kitwe and was informed that both the x-ray equipment and the generator had not be procured.
23 However, the theatre was operational and over 100 operations had been undertaken since the theatre commenced operations and all were reported to have been successful.

The Committee was however, informed that the machine being used in the theatre was an old one and was manually operated and needed replacement.

In addition, the Committee learnt that the generators being used at the hospital were a donation from USAID.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that the x-ray and a back-up power supply is procured within the 2022 - 2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
42/18 Construction of a Clinic in Nashinga Area On 4th July, 2018, the Minister of Health made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Health is working with the Chinsali Municipal Council to construct a clinic in Nashinga area in Lubwa Ward in Chinsali Parliamentary Constituency.

Sir, we expect to commence the construction works within 2018.
The previous Committee, in noting the progress made, had urged the Executive to expedite the completion of the staff house, water and ventilated improved pit latrines (VIPs) at the clinic so that the community could begin to benefit from the clinic.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive, in its update to the Committee, submitted that it was still committed to the completion of the construction of a staff house, water and ventilated improved pit latrines (VIP) at the clinic at Nashinga.

The Committee was informed that the construction of a staff house, water and ventilated improved pit latrines was expected to be implemented within the 2022-2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee notes the submission with concern considering that the status quo has remained the same for the past three years.

The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to ensure that the construction of a staff house, water and ventilated improved pit latrines is implemented within the 2022-2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework.

The Committee resolves to await a progress on the matter.
57/18 Construction of Chalokwa Health Post in Siavonga District On 12th July, 2018, the Minister of Health made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the health post at Chalokwa is being constructed by Megha Engineering Limited of India under the 650 Health Posts.

The delay in completing the project was due to the suspension of works by the contractor in 2017 as a result of inadequate funding on the project.
The Indian Government has however, approved refinancing of the project and the works are expected to resume by June, 2018.

24 The previous Committee in noting the submission had expressed concern over the Executive’s failure to ensure that the project was actualised.

The Committee, hence, had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured and the contractor was on site to complete the construction Chalokwa Health Post.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive, in its update to the Committee, submitted that Chalokwa Health Post in Siavonga District was among the thirty-two Health Posts out of 195 Health Posts allocated to Megha Engineering International Limited in Lusaka, Southern and Western Provinces.

The construction of the health posts stalled because the contractor had abandoned works claiming for additional funds for damaged materials, a claim that was not part of the contract.
In light of the above, the Committee was informed that the process of terminating the contract with Megha Engineering International Limited had commenced and Ministry of Health had since written to Ministry of Justice seeking guidance on how to proceed.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee expresses disappointment at the failure by the Executive to actualise the project, four years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House.
The Committee further expresses its displeasure at the waste of some building materials which were already on site but are getting damaged due to passage of time.

The Committee therefore, urges the Executive the termination process commencement of the construction of Chalokwa Health Post.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
is expedited to facilitate to ensure that the 02/14 Hospital Fast – Track Emergency Departments/Local Tour On Friday, 21st February, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Health assured the House that: “Mr Speaker, in line with the Government policy of improving health service delivery, trauma centres in all major health facilities.” In the previous Session, the Committee, in noting the progress made had resolved to await a comprehensive progress report on the construction and operationalisation of the remaining emergency and trauma facilities.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted as follows: 1.

Kabwe - the emergency and trauma facility was operationalised.

2.

Liteta Hospital - construction works were at 75 percent.

3.

Serenje and Nyimba were operationalised.

4.

Mazabuka Fast Track Emergency Department had not yet been actualised due to limited fiscal space.
To consolidate its findings during the long meetings, the Committee undertook an on the spot check of the construction of the emergency and trauma centre at Liteta Hospital.

The Committee was informed that the project commenced on 24th November, 2015, at a contract sum of K1,298,797.57.

25 The Committee was further informed that out of the contract sum, the contractor was paid K478,118.75 and works were at 75 per cent complete.

The project was last funded in 2017.


During the tour, the Committee learnt that even though the civil works were reported to be at 75 per cent complete, there were a lot of omissions essential to the operations of the trauma centre in the contract as outlined below.
• Electrical and plumbing drawings for the structure; • Walkway from the trauma centre to the main hospital; • Male and female toilets and shower rooms; • Borehole for the water supply; • Sluice room/washing area attached to the theatre room; • Linen storage room; • Change room; • Extended front area for privacy; • Partition of the receiving bay into male and female areas with an office for staff; and • Grading of the main road to the trauma centre.
The Committee also learnt that central acquisition of contracts disadvantages the end users such that the District Building Officers are not able to control the contractors, hence the omissions being discovered at an advanced stage.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with sadness that plumbing and electrical works among other things were omitted in the drawing of the trauma centre structure and that works were not supervised as they were supposed to.
The Committee urges the Executive to ensure that supervision of projects is enhanced to avoid additional costs of redoing the same work as a result of lack of supervision.

The Committee is further concerned that apart from the omissions observed, some parts of the building were reportedly put on the wrong side of the theatre with no privacy at all.
Going by the above, the Committee finds the design of the centre not to be of the expected standard and recommends that urgent attention be given to this facility to remedy all the faults established considering that the Great North Road is one of the busy roads and prone to road traffic accidents.

The Committee further observes with displeasure how the plans were approved without the electrical and plumbing drawings.
The Committee recommends that end users should be involved in the supervision of these works as they are always on the ground, unlike depending on officers from the head office or the provincial office.

The Committee is also not happy that the construction of emergency and fast track facilities in all major facilities has been outstanding for over four years.
The Committee, therefore, urges the Executive to ensure that Liteta and Mazabuka Hospitals trauma centres which have been lagging behind are actualised without further delay.
The Committee therefore, resolves to close the matter on the construction of trauma centres at Kabwe, Serenje and Nyimba General Hospitals, whose emergency and trauma centres were completed and are operational and await a comprehensive progress report on the construction of emergency and trauma centres at Mazabuka and Liteta Hospitals.
26/15 - Renovation of Yuka Hospital On 4th December, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Health made the following assurance: 26 “Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to facilitate the renovation of Yuka Mission Hospital in Kalabo Parliamentary Constituency through a phased approach.

To this effect, an amount of K200,000 has been allocated in the draft 2016 Infrastructure Operational Plan towards the rehabilitation of the hospital.
Since the Government noted that the hospital is a faith-based mission facility, it intends to work with other donors to improve the state of the infrastructure at Yuka Mission Hospital.

Sir, the rehabilitation of the hospital will commence in 2016 and will be done in three phases with Phase I being completed in 2016.
We will embark on Phases II and III in 2017.” The previous Committee in noting the submission made, had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured to facilitate the commencement of renovation works.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the renovation of Yuka Hospital.

Executive’s Response The Executive, in its update to the Committee, submitted that it was committed to the rehabilitation of Yuka Hospital.
However, due to limited fiscal space, the project to rehabilitate and complete the construction of the x-ray department was rescheduled to commence within the 2022 – 2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework, should funds be available.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission bemoans the failure by the Executive to rehabilitate and complete the construction of the x-ray department at Yuka Hospital seven years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House.
The Committee hence urges the Executive to prioritise the actualisation of outstanding assurances and ensure that the project is actualised within the 2022 – 2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
24/16 Update on Construction of 650 Health Posts Countrywide/Local Tours On 19th April, 2016, the Minister of Health made the following assurance: “Mr Speaker, thank you very much for granting me this opportunity to update the House and nation at large on the construction of 650 health posts across the country.

As the House will recall, these health posts are being constructed at a total cost of US$55.9 million, of which US$50 million is the Indian Government concession loan to the Government of Zambia.
The Government of Zambia will contribute the balance of US$5.9 million.

The loan agreement was signed on 29th March, 2012.

Mr Speaker, this project involves the following: (i) construction of 650 pre-fabricated health post buildings, staff houses and ventilated latrines; provision of basic medical equipment to 650 health posts to be constructed; and provision of solar power, boreholes and hand pumps to the facilities.
(ii) (iii) Mr Speaker, for easy management of the contracts, the 650 health posts were split into three lots in order to minimise the risk that may result if all the health posts were awarded to one contractor.

These contracts were signed on 3rd July, 2013.
The lots were awarded as follows: 27 (i) (ii) (iii) Lot 1, covering the construction of prefabricated structures, supply and installation of essential equipment for 208 health posts in the Central, Copperbelt and Eastern provinces, was awarded to Jaguar Overseas Limited at an amount of US$19,468,236; Lot 2, covering the provinces of the North-Western, Northern, Muchinga and Luapula, was awarded to Angelique International Limited at US$18,100,735; and Lot 3, covering construction of health posts in the Western, Southern and Lusaka provinces, was awarded to Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited at an amount of US$18,387,160.
Mr Speaker, the site handovers for this project were done in the first quarter of 2014 in all the provinces.

The project was expected to be undertaken over a period of twenty-four months from April, 2014, to April, 2016.

However, it has since suffered some major challenges that have warranted it to be extended by an additional six months.
Sir, the major setback that the project suffered was the termination of the contract for Angelique International Limited, covering 270 health posts in the Northern, Luapula, North- Western and Muchinga provinces.

The termination was done following recommendations by the Indian Government.
Mr Speaker, despite the above-mentioned challenge, progress has been as follows: (i) out of the 650 sites, contractors have been granted possession of 547 sites, representing coverage of 84 percent across the country; a total of 266 super structures have been completed countrywide, out of which 102 have been operationalised and are being used by the local communities.
We expect an additional 100 health posts to be operational within the course of the month; all medical equipment and construction materials have been shipped into the country to facilitate completion of the remaining health posts; and health posts that were under the Angelique International Limited component have been retendered and recommendations have been submitted to the Indian Government for its approval to proceed with the new contractor.
(ii) (iii) (iv) Sir, in view of the above-mentioned progress, completion of all health posts is now expected to be accomplished by October, 2016.” The previous Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that the remaining health posts were completed as it had taken the Executive inordinately long to complete the construction of the 650 health posts countrywide.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response In its update to the Committee the Executive submitted as follows: Copper belt Province a) Central Province b) c) Eastern Province d) Western Province e) f) g) 84 out of a total of 88; 52 out of a total of 52; 68 out of a total of 68; 60 out of a total of 64; 69 out of a total of 99; 31 out of a total of 32; 64 out of a total of 69; Southern Province Lusaka Province Northern Province – – – – – – – 28 Luapula Province h) i) North western Province j) Muchinga Province TOTAL – - - - 45 out of a total of 64; 57 out of a total of 74; 33 out of a total of 40.
563 out of a total of 650 To consolidate the submission during the Committee’s long meeting, the Committee in April, 2022, undertook an on the spot check of one of the completed health post in the Copperbelt Province.

During the tour, the Committee observed with the disappointment the poor workmanship in the construction of the health post attributed to lack of supervision.
The Committee learnt that the floor for both the staff house and clinic had to be redone due to cracks; the ceiling board was already failing down due to leaking roofs.

The Committee further observed with concern that there was just one staff house at the clinic and wondered how a lone clinical staff will effectively discharge his/her duties without resting or attending to other personal needs without affecting the operations of the clinic.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee during its tour observed with concern the poor workmanship and recommends that the Government should ensure that projects are closely monitored to avoid additional costs due to rehabilitations.

Further, the Committee recommends that the Government should consider erecting two staff houses per health centre for effective discharge of duties once the clinics are operationalised.
The above notwithstanding, the Committee in appreciating the progress made on the construction of the 650 health posts urges the Executive to ensure that the remaining eighty-seven health posts countrywide were urgently completed with close supervision and probably an additional staff house per post.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
04/15 Houses for Personnel in Sikongo District On Wednesday, 25th February, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Community Development, Mother and Child Health made the following assurance: “Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Health intends to construct staff houses for health personnel in Sikongo in 2015, under its Infrastructure Operational Plan.” The previous Committee had expressed dismay that the status quo had remained unchanged for over four years.
In this regard, the Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured and that the project was completed.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the Executive was still committed to the completion of the construction of a staff house at Sikongo Health Centre.

However, due to limited fiscal space, the project was rescheduled to commence within the 2022 – 2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee notes with dismay the response by the Executive considering that the completion of the staff house at Sikongo Health Centre has been outstanding for over six 29 years.

The Committee urges the Executive to treat assurances made on the floor of the House with the seriousness they deserve and desist from making assurances when funding is not certain.
The Committee further urges the Executive to ensure that the construction of the remaining works commenced within the 2022 – 2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT 05/20 Upgrading of the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and Copperbelt International Airport/Local Tour On 1st October, 2019, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance on the floor of the House in his Ministerial Statement: Sir, after the Government signed the contract for the upgrading of the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport with China Jiangxi Corporation for International Economic and Technical Co-operation, the works commenced on 21st April, 2015, and are expected to be completed on 20th April, 2021.
The new completion date is an extension from the initial date of 20th October, 2019.

Sir, I remind the House that the contractor for the Copperbelt International Airport is Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) International Holding Corporation, that the contract sum is US$397 million and that the contract period is thirty-six months.

The project commenced on 16th October, 2017, and is expected to be completed in October 2020.
The previous Committee was informed that as of 31st July, 2020, the overall progress on the expansion and modernisation of the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport was at 89 per cent and that most of the major components on the KKIA Project were above 90 per cent complete; while, the KKIA substation (Power connection which is the most critical component of the project) was at 97 per cent.
The Committee also heard that works in the existing terminal would commence once the new terminal was operational, while for ZASTI, works would commence by the end of March, 2021.

This included works on the corridor connecting the new and existing terminal.

The Committee was further informed that the overall progress at the Copperbelt International Airport was at 80 per cent.
The COVID-19 Pandemic had affected the project negatively in that the contractor could not receive specialised equipment and materials due to the shut down and travel restrictions due to the pandemic.

In this regard, the contractor on the 30th September, 2020 applied for extension of time in the project and was granted seven months extension of time.

The Committee, in noting the submission, resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted as follows: Kenneth Kaunda International Airport 30 The overall progress at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport was 93 per cent as at April, 2021.

The revised completion date of the project was 10th March, 2022.
The main power substation has been completed while works that had not commenced include: Ø widening of the taxiway shoulder - to commence after the AGL cable is rerouted; Ø rehabilitation of the existing terminal building - to commence after commissioning of the new terminal building; Ø upgrading of infrastructure at ZASTI – to commence after designs are approved Copperbelt International Airport The Committee was informed that the overall progress at Copperbelt International Airport was 89 per cent as at April, 2021.
The revised completion date of the project was 31st May, 2021.

Major outstanding works on the project include the following: • Access roads • Staff housing • Hotel • Public service fuel station • Command centre; and • Dedicated Presidential Route.

Generally, the outbreak of Covid 19 had delayed disbursement of funds and had impacted negatively on the progress and completion of outstanding works on both projects.
To consolidate the submission by the Ministry on the construction of the Copperbelt International Airport, the Committee undertook an on the spot check on the progress made.

During the tour, the Committee learnt that the airport was 90 per cent complete and was operational.

However, there were some critical facilities which needed to be completed to enhance the operations of the Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL).
• Car park and aerodrome service roads; • Access road; • Hotel facilities; • Trial operation and commissioning; and • Airport fuel farm.

During the tour, the Committee learnt that the X-ray screening machines installed at the Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport project were not yet certified by the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority as they did not meet the specifications and standards.
This was as a result of the contractor China Jiangxi not following the procedure with respect to purchase sign off, importation clearance from the ZACL, Department of Public Infrastructure, Regulators, Factory Acceptance Testing, and post shipment inspections.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee was pleased with the progress so far made in ensuring that this assurance is actualised.
However, for the ZACL to be efficient and effective in their operations there was need for the Executive to urgently attend to the outstanding critical needs of the Corporation.

Further, the Committee observes with concern that the airport is using an old x-ray screening machine as the new x-ray machine installed does meet the standard.

The 31 Committee therefore, urges the Executive to ensure that the situation is corrected without further delay.
The Committee further recommends that as a way of enhancing operations staff housing units should be part of the critical needs required by the corporation as the airport is situated quite far from the residential areas where most of the staff stay.

In view of the above, the Committee urges the Executive to ensure that funds are urgently acquired and the remaining works completed at both airports without further delay.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
06/20 Nabwalya / Mfuwe Road Construction On 1st October, 2019, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Madam Speaker, the construction of the Nabwalya/Mfuwe Road is expected to be completed in October, 2020, subject to availability of funds.

The delay has been due to financial constraints.

As of July, 2019, the contractor had been paid K29,962,454.13 out of the total of K165 million certified for the works done.
The previous Committee had expressed concern that the completion date was rescheduled to April, 2022, despite the project being re-scoped to fit within the available funds and urged the Government to ensure that works were undertaken as submitted, to avoid accumulation of standing costs on the project.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response In its update to the Committee, the Executive submitted that the completion date of the construction works of the Nabwalya/Mfuwe Road was rescheduled from October, 2020 to April 5, 2022 in line with the projected available funds in the short to medium term.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that works are completed by 5th April, 2022, as submitted and resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
08/20 Stalled Chama/Matumbo and Chama/Lundazi Road Rehabilitation On 1st October, 2019, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the timeframes for the completion of rehabilitation of each of the four lots under the Chama/Matumbo and Chama Lundazi Road are as follows: (a) July, 2020 for Lot 2 (118 km); (b) October, 2021 for Lot 3 (90 km); (c) February, 2021 for Lot 4 (84 km); and (d) June, 2020 for Lot 5 (56 km).
32 The previous Committee had expressed concern that despite the plan to re-scope the project from bituminous standard to gravel surfaced standard, the completion dates were rescheduled.

The Committee, therefore, had urged the Executive to ensure that the re- scoping process was expedited to facilitate the implementation of the project as submitted.

The Committee resolved to await a comprehensive progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the re-scoping exercise for the projects was completed.

The completion dates for the projects were rescheduled in line with the projected available funds to the road sector in the short to medium term.

The progress on the respective projects was as shown below: No.
1 2 3 4 Lot Lot 2 (118 km) Lot 3 (90 km) Lot 4 (84 km) Lot 5 (56 km) Completion date January 17, 2023 October 31, 2022 August 23, 2023 September 26, 2022 Progress (%) 10 5 5 11.2 Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that funds are secured to facilitate the completion of works on all the four lots as submitted.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
09/20 Washed Away Bridges in Msanzala On 27th February, 2020, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Mr Speaker, the Government is aware of the washing away of the Chipungu/Mbulamala Bridge across Msanzala River and Mkonda Bridge across Mkonda River on Msolo Road in Msanzala Parliamentary Constituency.
Sir, the Government, through the Road Development Agency (RDA), has carried out an assessment of the damage at the Chipungu/Mbulamala Bridge and submitted a budget to the National Roads Fund Agency (NRFA) in order to facilitate release of funds for the required works.

Further, an assessment of the damage at Mkonda Bridge is scheduled to be undertaken before the end of March, 2020.
The previous Committee in noting the submission had urged the Executive to ensure that the National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) releases the requisite funds to facilitate the commencement of works on site.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Executive, in its update to the Committee, submitted that the Road Development Agency (RDA) had rehabilitated the damage on the Chipungu/Mbulamala Bridge.

The works were completed in the first week of April 2021.
Further, an assessment of the damage at Mkonda bridge was undertaken and it was envisaged that the works on Mkonda bridge would be undertaken once funds were made available.

33 Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee is pleased to note that the Road Development Agency (RDA) has completed the rehabilitation of the Chipungu/Mbulamala bridge.
The Committee, however observes with concern that the Mkonda bridge has not been rehabilitated due to lack of funds and urges the Executive to ensure that funds are secured to facilitate the commencement of rehabilitation works of the bridge and resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
10/20 Damaged Infrastructure Rehabilitation in Msanzala Constituency On 27th February, 2020, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Mr Speaker, the rehabilitation works on Manda/Vuvye Bridge along Nyamphande/Mwape Road will be undertaken in the second quarter of 2020, once the water levels on the stream go down.
The previous Committee in noting the submission had urged the Government to ensure that works were completed by August, 2021 and resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Executive, in its update to the Committee, submitted that the works on the project had stalled owing to erratic funding to the project due to limitation in available funds to the road sector.
Although a total of K11.7 million was certified for works done, the Committee was informed that only K4 million was paid to the Contractor.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee expresses disappointment over the failure by the Executive to pay the contractor for the certified works.

The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to ensure that the balance on the outstanding certified works is paid and funds urgently secured to facilitate the rehabilitation of the Manda/Vuvye bridge.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

11/20 Bridge Construction On 13th February, 2020, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Mr Speaker, an assessment of the works required at Chamatonye crossing point in Mkaika Constituency will be undertaken before the end of the first quarter 2020.

Sir, procurement of a contractor to undertake the civil works at Lupande will commence in the second quarter.
It is envisaged that the civil works on Lupande Bridge will commence in the fourth quarter of 2020.

The previous Committee urged the Executive to ensure that the National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) released the funds without further delay to facilitate the construction of the Chamatonye crossing point and Lupande bridge, respectively.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
34 Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee indicated that works on the Chamatonye crossing commenced in March, 2021 and were on going.

The Road Development Agency (RDA) received K250,000 out of the required K1,076,715.25 leaving the balance of K826,715.25.

The works completed so far include opening up for the access road to the crossing point, excavation for the works on the crossing point and some protection works.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with concern that works on the Chamatonye crossing has not been completed due to non disbursement of the project fund.

The Committee, therefore, urges the Executive to ensure that funds are secured to facilitate the commencement of construction works without further delay.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
12/20 Kanchibiya Constituency Bridges Reconstruction On 14th February, 2020, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Mr Speaker works to reconstruct Kabinga and Kopa bridges in Kanchibiya Parliamentary Constituency that were damaged during the 2018/2019 rainy season have commenced under the Kanchibiya/Chalabesa Project which is being implemented by the Ministry of Local Government.
Works commenced in March, 2019 and are scheduled to be completed by September 2020.

The previous Committee in noting the submission, had urged the Executive to ensure that the outstanding payments were made to the contractor to facilitate the reconstruction of Kabinga bridge which was damaged during the 2018/2019 rainy season.

The Committee had also resolved to close the matter on Kopa Bridge and await a progress report on the reconstruction of the Kabinga bridge.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the contractor was on site to reconstruct the Kabinga bridge though works were being undertaken at a reduced scale due to high water levels and financing challenges.

It was envisaged that the works would be expedited once the water levels go down and subject to consistent cash flow to the project.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with concern the inconsistence by the Executive in the disbursement of funds to expedite the reconstruction of Kabinga bridge in Kanchibiya Constituency.

The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to urgently source funds for the reconstruction of the bridge before lives are lost.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
13/20 Kafue River Worn Out Bridge On 20th February, 2020, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance on the floor of the House: 35 Mr Speaker, contrary to the assertion that the temporary bridge on the Lusaka/Mongu Road at Kafue River is worn out and is on the verge of collapse, the said temporary bridge is not worn out, and, therefore, not on the verge of collapsing.

Consequently, the bridge does not pose any danger to the travelling public.
Sir, the contractor engaged to construct the Kafue Hook Bridge has been undertaking maintenance works to keep the temporary bridge safe.

The rehabilitation of the Kafue Hook Bridge is scheduled to be completed on 26th June, 2020.
The previous Committee had noted with sadness the failure by the Executive to implement the project as was promised and urged it to ensure that funds are secured to facilitate the rehabilitation of the Kafue Hook Bridge as further delay may endanger the lives of the citizenry who use the temporary bridge to cross the river.

The Committee resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that a total of K44 million was allocated towards the rehabilitation of the Kafue Hook Bridge in the 2022 Road Sector Annual Work Plan (RSAWP).

The revised completion date for the works is June, 25, 2022.

The Committee was informed that works would be expedited in 2022 as funds had been set aside to complete the remaining works.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that the project is undertaken as submitted, considering that the project is already over a year and half behind the completion schedule.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
14/20 Musa Secondary School Completion On 20th February, 2020, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Mr Speaker, the construction of Musa Secondary School is almost complete.

What is remaining is a septic tank which will be constructed after the rainy season in the second quarter of 2020.
Sir, the delay in completing Musa Secondary School which has been above 80 per cent completion for the past three years has been due to financial constraints.

Mr Speaker, the construction of Ntumpa Secondary School will be completed by the end of the fourth quarter of 2020.

Sir, the delay in completion of Ntumpa Secondary School has been due to financial constraints.
The previous Committee had noted with concern the failure by the Executive to complete Musa Secondary School which had remained at 80 per cent complete for the past three years.

The Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured for the construction of a septic tank at Musa Secondary School and completion of Ntumpa Secondary School.

The Committee had resolved to await a comprehensive progress report on the matter.
36 Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee indicated that the construction of Musa Day Secondary School was almost complete and operational.

The Committee was further informed that the septic tank at Musa Day Secondary School was completed, while the construction of Ntumpa Secondary School was partially complete and operational.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the progress made urges the Executive to urgently secure funds for the completion of the remaining works at Musa Day Secondary School and Ntumpa Secondary School, especially that both schools are operational, despite being incomplete.

The Committee resolves to await a comprehensive progress report on the matter.
15/20 Vubwi Boarding School Completion On 20th February, 2020, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Mr Speaker, the construction of Vubwi Secondary School in Vubwi District is expected to be completed by the end of December 2020.

The previous Committee had noted with concern that nothing had been done with regard to the construction of Vubwi Boarding Secondary School since the assurance was made on the floor of the House.
Hence, the Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured to facilitate the actualisation of the project.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the slow pace of construction of Vubwi Boarding School was due to financial constraints following Governments stand to only fund projects which were 80 per cent complete and above.
Construction of Vubwi Secondary School being at 60 per cent complete was not fully considered, however, all the buildings were roofed, plastered, and electrical and plumbing first fix done, what was remaining were external works.

The Committee was also informed that the Ministry had plans to partially open the school once the key structures were completed.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to urgently consider securing funds to complete the remaining works at the school, especially that the Ministry has plans to partially open the school.

The Committee further urges the Executive to reconsider the application of the 80 per cent complete policy when it comes to funding of rural schools where the majority of children stop school due to long distances to be covered going to schools.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

04/20 University Construction On 16th October, 2019, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Mr Speaker, the construction of a University in Lukashya Parliamentary Constituency commenced in the year 2018.
The estimated cost of the project is US$225 million for the two 37 universities in Lukashya and the Frederick Titus Jacob (FTJ) Chiluba University in Kasama and Mansa Districts, respectively.

Mr Speaker, the time frame for the completion of the project is thirty months.

The university in Lukashya Parliamentary Constituency is expected to be officially opened to the public during the 2021/2022 academic year.
The previous Committee in noting the submission had expressed concern at the slow pace at which the construction of the two universities was going and had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured to facilitate the urgent commencement of works to avoid accumulation of standing costs.

The Committee had resolved to await a comprehensive progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response In its update to the Committee, the Executive submitted that the construction of the Fredrick Titus Jacob Chiluba University in Mansa, Luapula and Kasama Northern provinces had not recorded any significant progress since the last report due to continued fiscal constraints affecting the projects.

Austerity measures introduced by the Government in 2018 also affected the projects, as did the policy directive to prioritise projects that were already at 80 per cent and above complete.
The Ministry of Higher Education had engaged the Treasury on financing of the projects following recommendations for the two projects to be re-scoped by removing some auxiliary facilities and structures.

Feedback from Treasury was still being awaited.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission expresses concern over the tendency by the Executive to make assurances on the floor of the House when funding is not certain.
In this regard, the Committee urges the Executive to ensure that assurances are made on the floor of the House only when funding is certain and that implementation should be as promised on the floor of the House, failure to which the oversight role of Parliament will be rendered ineffective.

The Committee resolves to await a comprehensive progress report on the construction of the two universities.
02/19 Construction of Lwela Bridge in Milenge District On 18th September, 2018, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the construction of the Lwela Bridge in Milenge District is expected to commence in November 2018, subject to an advance payment of K2,870,325.73 to the contractor.

The contract was awarded to Messrs Tomorrow Investment Limited at a total contract sum of K28,703,257.30”.
Mr Speaker, the project has delayed because the advance payment required by the contractor to commence the works has not yet been paid.

The estimated completion period for the project is twelve months after commencement.

The contract was signed on 27th December, 2017.

The scope of works includes, but not limited to the following: foundation works; reinforcement of 38 concrete works in abutments and piers; installation of the pre-stressed beams; reinforcement of concrete deck; and approach embankment”.
The previous Committee in noting the submission had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the contractor submitted revised proposal and the addendum was signed revising the contract sum from K27,078,544.62 VAT inclusive to K47,190,629.40 VAT inclusive.

The contractor mobilized on site on September 16, 2020 and was setting up consultant’s facilities.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee notes the submission and urges the Executive to ensure that funding is secured and constantly disbursed to the project to avoid additional cost due to standing time and increase in the cost of building materials.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
30/19 Samfya/Mpanta/Kasoma Lunga Road Construction On 13th October, 2018, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance: Sir, the construction of the Samfya – Katanshya-Mpanta (D449/D450) Road will only commence upon completion of the feasibility studies and detailed engineering designs, securing of funding for the project and procurement of a contractor to carry out the works.
A consultant has been engaged to carry out the feasibility study in order to produce detailed engineering designs.

The contract commenced on 19th April, 2018 and expected to be completed in February, 2019.

In noting the submission, the previous Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that the Samfya/Mpanta/Kasoma Lunga road construction works commenced without further delay.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the Consultant had submitted the final design report which provided details of the type of works to be undertaken on May, 10 2021.

The procurement of a works contractor would be undertaken in future Road Sector Annual Work Plans (RSAWPs) subject to availability of funds.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee notes with concern the failure by the Executive to implement the project three years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House.

Further, the Committee observes with concern that the procurement of a works contractor will be undertaken in future RSAWPs subject to availability of funds.
Going with the response by the Executive, the Committee is of the view that the Executive does not take assurances seriously and urges it to expeditiously secure funds for the actualisation of the project.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
39 32/19 Tarring of Mung’anga/Mwenda/Kashiba Road On 13th February, 2019, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Mr Speaker, the tarring of the Mung’anga-Mwenda-Kashiba Road was initially scheduled to commence in February, 2019.

However, the contractor requested for an extension of the commencement date to November, 2019 and the Government is currently considering the request.
Sir, the contractor is Messrs. Groupe European De Development (GED) Africa Zambia Limited.

The total cost of the project is US$180 million.

The construction period is thirty-six months.

The project will be funded through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement using the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) Model.

The previous Committee in noting the submission had urged the Executive to ensure that the process of attaining financial closure was expedited.
The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the tarring of Mung’anga, Mwenda and Kashiba roads.

Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the financial closure on the Kasomeno to Mwenda project was expected to be attained before end of March, 2022 and major works would commence thereafter.

The early works commenced in May, 2021 and had since been completed and were waiting handing over.
The concessionaire proposed amendments to the signed concession agreement to enable attain financial closure.

The negotiations between the Government and the concessionaire with regards to the amendments were ongoing and were expected to be concluded before the end 2022.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that financial closure is expeditiously obtained and the project actualised.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

08/18 Construction of Bridges in Mkaika Constituency On 4th October, 2017, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the construction of bridges at Mnyamanzi and Mtetezi crossing points in Mkaika Parliamentary Constituency will commence in the third quarter of 2018 upon procurement of the works by the contractor.
The repair works at the bridge at Chisale and Kalowe will be undertaken using the Force Account once funds are made available by the Road Development Agency (RDA).

This will be undertaken after a comprehensive assessment of the works has been done.

Sir, the completion period for the bridges at Mnyamanzi, Chisale, Kalowe and Mtetezi crossing points in Mkaika Parliamentary Constituency is nine months from the date of commencement of the works.
40 In noting the submission, the previous Committee had expressed concern that the Executive had since 2018 been citing funding challenges, despite having promised on the floor of the House that works would commence in the third quarter of 2018 and take nine months to complete from the date of commencement.

The Committee, therefore, seriously urged the Executive to ensure that assurances were fulfilled as promised on the floor of the House.
The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response In its update to the Committee, the Executive submitted that the procurement process for the Munyamanzi crossing under the ACROW Bridge Programme was still ongoing and the works were envisaged to commence once funds were made available for the project and all procurement procedures finalised.

The overall implementation of the ACROW Bridge Programme had been hampered by limitations of funds.
The Chisale and Kalowe crossings were assessed by the Road Development Agency (RDA) in the third quarter of 2019.

The commencement of the works still awaited availability of funds for the projects.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission bemoans the slow pace at which the implementation of the project is being implemented, which may result to a new assessment to be undertaken to accommodate the change in the scope of works due to passage of time.
The Committee is further disappointed to note that four years from the time the assurance was made on the floor of the House the Chisale and Kalowe crossings works could not commence due to unavailability of funds.

The Committee urges the Executive to urgently secure funds to facilitate the full implementation of the project without further delay.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
09/18 Tarring of Katunda Turn-Off/Lukulu/Watopa/Mumbeji Turn-Off and Manyinga/Mwinilunga Roads On 11th October, 2017, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance: Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to upgrade to bituminous standards both the Katunda Turn-off/Lukulu/Watopa/Mumbeji Turn-off and Manyinga/Mwinilunga Roads under the Link Zambia 8,000 Kilometre Road Project.
The roads have been included in the 2018 Road Sector Annual Work Plan (RSAWP) and the projects will be implemented using the Contractor Facilitated Initiative (CFI).

Madam Speaker, the Road Development Agency (RDA) has completed the engagement of the contractors, but implementation awaits the finalisation of the financing agreement by the Ministry of Finance.
In the previous Committee in noting the submission, had urged the Executive to ensure that assurances made on the floor of the House were financially backed and actualised within the as promised timeframe.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

41 Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that works had not commenced due to Government’s decision to indefinitely postpone the contraction of debt as a measure to achieve debt sustainability.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee notes with disappointment the failure by the Executive to actualise the promise made on the floor of the House four years after it was made and urges it to ensure that only financially backed projects were undertaken.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
11/18 Rehabilitation of Local Courts in Chitambo Constituency On 20th October, 2017, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance: Madam Speaker, the Government is committed to rehabilitate Mpelembe and Muchinka Local Courts in Chitambo Parliamentary Constituency.

The rehabilitation works will commence in 2018.

The previous Committee had expressed concern that assurances made on the floor of the House were not given the attention they deserved.
The Committee therefore, had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured for the project to be actualised and had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response In its update, the Executive informed the Committee that the rehabilitation of Local Courts in Chitambo Constituency had not been done due to limited fiscal space being experienced in the country.

However, rehabilitation works for the Local Courts was included in the 2021 Maintenance Plan.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee notes the submission with concern considering that rehabilitation works were supposed to commence in 2018 and since then the Executive have been citing fiscal space as the cause of the delay in implementation of the project.

The Committee is therefore, of the view that assurances are made but without a view of implementation but rather to appease the general populace.
The Committee hence, urges the Executive to ensure that financial resources are made available before assurances are made on the floor of the House.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

13/18 Rehabilitation of Mpika/Kasama Road On 1st November, 2017, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, for purpose of periodic maintenance, the Mpika/Kasama Road has been divided into two lots.
The contract for Lot 1, which is 131 km long and starts from Mpika to Chambeshi Section, was awarded to Keren Motors while the contract for Lot 2, which is 86 km long and covers the stretch from Chambeshi to Kasama Section, was awarded to China Geo- Engineering Corporation.

42 Sir, the works on Lot 1 have stalled because the contractor had demonstrated a lack of seriousness and capacity to complete the project.
The Ministry has since directed the Road Development Agency (RDA) to consider terminating the contract.

On Lot 2, the works are ongoing, with the contractor currently working on the urban roads in Kasama, which are part of the scope of works and are expected to be completed in December, 2017.

The completion date for Lot 1 was supposed to be 15th November, 2017, but it now has to be revised because of the stalled works.

The completion date for Lot 2, which is making good progress, is 7th January, 2019.
Sir, the estimated cost for the project is K647,103,068.

The pervious Committee in noting the submission had reiterated the need for the Executive to urgently secure funds for the rehabilitation works to avoid additional costs due to the increase in the cost of materials and further deterioration of the road.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that Lot 1 of the Mpika-Kasama road was combined with lot 2 as variation.

The contractor was working on the Tazara Chisanga Roads.

The progress on the project was affected by cashflow challenges due to limitations in available funds to the road sector.

Progress on the whole project was at 8 per cent.


Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with concern the failure by the Executive to consistently disburse funds to the project which in turn results in additional cost due to standing time and increase in the cost of building materials.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
14/18 Construction of Sinda Day Secondary School On 16th November, 2017, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the construction of Sinda Day Secondary School was supposed to be completed in 2015.

However, this has not been achieved because the Ministry has not been receiving funding as projected and the honouring of the Interim Payment Certificate by the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) who is the client.
So far, all the structures have been roofed and the contractor is working on completing the ten teachers’ houses which is likely to lead to the partial opening of Sinda Day Secondary School in January next year.

That will see the enrolling grades eights and tens in January, 2018.

With availability of funds, the school is expected to be completed and handed over to the Government by the end of 2018.

Sir, what has caused the delay in the completion of the school is due to the financial constraints.
The previous Committee in noting the submission had expressed concern that the Executive had failed to complete the works at the school despite it having been earmarked for completion and partial opening in January, 2018.

The Committee, therefore, had urged the 43 Executive to ensure that funds were urgently secured to complete the works at the school and had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that construction of Sinda Day Secondary School was 85 per cent complete and was partially opened with selected structures such as a 1 x 6 classroom block and a staff house used as a temporal administrative office completed.

Further, the Committee heard that the school had provided temporal VIP toilets as the ablution blocks were not complete.
The school had its staff establishment actualised with twenty-six teachers and had enrolled 413 pupils.

The Committee was further informed that the remaining works at the site include painting, fitting of doors, grazing, electrical fitting, fitting of boards, water reticulation, landscaping, walk pathways, and installation of toilet pans and cisterns.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the progress made urges the Executive to ensure that the remaining external works were completed to facilitate the full operationalisation of the school.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
17/18 Muoyo Road On 21st February, 2018, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the construction of Muoyo Road in Nalolo Parliamentary Constituency has stalled owing to funding challenges.

Sir, it is expected that works will resume within the second quarter of 2018.

Mr Speaker, the total cost of the whole project, which includes Mongu/Limulunga, Muoya, Libonda and Lyambai to be US$32,708,958.
The project is expected to be completed within one year and six months after the date of commencement.

estimated roads, is The previous Committee in noting the submission had urged the Executive to live up to its submission and had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response In its update to the Committee, the Executive submitted that the Muoyo Road was part of the project for the rehabilitation of Mongu – Limulunga (D315) and upgrading of Muoyo Roads to Bituminous Standard in Western Province of Zambia.

The contractor had surfaced approximately 3.2 Km on Mongu-Limulunga road after which Major works were suspended due to non-payment of Interim Payment Certificate (IPC) - No.

2.
2.

However, minor works such as drainage and kerbstone were currently in progress.

The overall physical progress stood at 19 per cent.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee notes with concern the slow pace at which the project is being undertaken and urges the Executive to ensure that resources are put together to warrant the speedy 44 implementation of the project.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
21/18 Mbesuma Bridge in Chisali Constituency On 27th February, 2018, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the construction of Mbesuma Bridge is scheduled to be completed in November, 2018.

The contractor for the Bridge is Messrs China Railway Seventh Group Company Ltd.

The contract sum is K84,185,816.99.

Approximately, K6,313,936.27 has so far been paid to the contractor.
The previous Committee in noting the submission, had bemoaned the slow pace at which construction works were going, considering that works were expected to be completed in November, 2018.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Executive, in its update to the Committee, submitted that the overall physical progress still stood at 35 per cent and the project was scheduled to be completed on November 14, 2021.
However, works had stalled due to funding constraints since January, 2020, resulting into a further extension of the completion time.

The contractor was currently owed K18.9 million out of the K27 million certified for the works done.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee is saddened to note the failure by the Executive to pay the contractor for the certified works resulting in delay in the completion of the project.
The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to urgently secure funds to facilitate the commencement of works as continued delay will result in additional cost due to standing time and increase in the cost of building materials.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
23/18 Bridges in Mufumbwe District On 27th February, 2018, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance: Madam Speaker, the construction of Musowenji Bridge will commence in the first quarter of 2019, upon procurement of the works contractor.

The bridge is covered under the ACROW Bridges Project.

Designs are currently being prepared and are scheduled to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2018.
The construction of Miluji (Chitwa) Bridge will commence in the first quarter of 2019, upon procurement of the works contractor.

The bridge is covered under the ACROW Bridge Project.

Designs are currently being prepared and are scheduled to be completed by 4th April, 2018.

The cost of constructing the two bridges will be determined once the designs have been completed and the contractor has been found.

The timeframe for the completion of the project will be nine months from the commencement date.
In noting the submission, the previous Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that phase four of the ACROW Bridge Programme where Miluji (Chitwa) bridge falls was actualised as submitted and had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
45 Executive’s Response In its update to the Committee, the Executive submitted that the procurement process for the Musowenji on Kalengwa-Mushima road (U6) and Chitwa crossing on the Chitwa- Katoya to Muluji road under the ACROW Bridge Programme was still ongoing and the works were expected to commence once funds were made available for the project and all procurement procedures were finalised.

The overall implementation of the ACROW Bridge Programme had been affected by limitations of funds.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee notes with disappointment the failure by the Executive to actualise the project owing to limited fiscal space three years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House.

The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to expedite the procurement of a contractor for Musowenji and Miluji (Chitwa) bridges to facilitate the actualisation of the project.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
25/18 Secondary School in Chief Kucheka’s Chiefdom in Zambezi West On 28th February, 2018, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the construction of Liyovu Boarding Secondary School in Chief Kucheka’s Chiefdom in Zambezi West Parliamentary Constituency stalled due to financial constraints.

The progress of the project was also affected by seasonal flooding.

However, the construction works resumed in November, 2017.
The contractor for the project is Hua Jiang Investment Limited, and the total cost of the project is K48,709,354.05 and the time frame for the completion of the project is thirty-two months.

The previous Committee had expressed disappointment with the Executive’s failure to actualise the project and had urged it to ensure that funds were secured to implement the project.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the status quo at the Liyovu Boarding Secondary school had remained the same at 10 per cent completion during the period under review due to Government's policy to finish the projects that were at 80 per cent completion and above.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee expresses dismay that nothing was done by the Executive in the period under review due to the implementation of the Government’s policy of only funding projects which were at 80 per cent and above complete.

The Committee is of the view that the 80 per cent and above complete policy should not apply to assurances made on the floor of the House, as doing so frustrates the mandate of the Committee.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

27/18 Upgrade of Airport Road On 6th March, 2018, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance: 46 Madam Speaker, we will begin upgrading that road to a dual carriageway before the end of this year.

The previous Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that it intends to undertake the dualization of the 9km of the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) Road, as a fourth variation under the Lusaka decongestion project.

The contract was at the negotiation stage and works would commence once negotiations were concluded.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee notes the submission with concern given that it has taken the Executive over three years to have the project actualised and urges it to expedite the negotiation process so as to facilitate the commencement of works.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the upgrade of the Airport road.
28/18 C400 Road Project in Ndola On 13th March, 2018, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance: Madam Speaker, the construction of roads under the Copperbelt 400 km Road Project (C400) in Ndola District will commence as soon as the financial arrangements for the 15 per cent advance payment, which is the Government of the Republic of Zambia counterpart funding, is finalised.

The financing arrangement is expected to be concluded soon.
Works will commence by the end of this rainy season.

The previous Committee in noting the submission had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response In its update to the Committee, the Executive submitted that works on the C400 project had not commenced due to Government’s decision to indefinitely postpone the contraction of debt as a measure to achieve debt sustainability.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee finds the response by the Executive unacceptable as it appears that assurances made on the floor of the House are taken as mere pronouncements, as no definite funds are set aside for their implementation.

In this regard, the Committee urges the Executive to ensure that some mechanisms be put in place to allow the implementation of assurances as and when they are made on the floor of the House.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

36/18 Construction of Bridges in Zambezi West On 12th June, 2018, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Government has a plan to construct bridges on Kashiji River, connecting Kanyeva to Chief Kucheka’s Palace and Liyovu Primary School, and connecting Muyembe to 47 Chief Ndungu’s Palace.
A bridge will also be constructed on Litapi River, connecting Kalengwa to Chief Chinyama’s Palace using Acrow Corporation of America.

Sir, the designs for the bridges have been completed, and the contract has been signed.

The Government is awaiting the delivery of the bridge components before the construction of the bridges can commence by the fourth quarter of 2018.
In noting the submission, the previous Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that the procurement process for the other four remaining bridges was expedited.

The Committee had resolved to await a comprehensive progress report on the construction of bridges in Zambezi West Constituency.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that a total of three contracts had so far been signed comprising seven crossings in Zambezi District: 1 2 3 Contract Sum (ZMW) 5,415,451.00 No.

of Bridges 1 Contractor Name Messrs LWENSHI Limited No.
Project for The contract the construction of Sub- and structures Assembly the Steel Prefabricated Acrow Panel Bridges in North-Western Province – Lot 131B of 10,158,922.00 2 19,847,157.16 4 Messrs MUCO Limited Messrs FEDPA Limited The for contract construction of Sub- and Structures Assembly of Prefabricated Steel Acrow Panel Bridges in North-Western Province – Lot 12A for contract The construction of Sub- and Structures Assembly of Steel Prefabricated Acrow Panel Bridges in North-Western Province – Lot 14 Status The contract was signed on July 9, 2020.
The contractor was yet mobilise, to pending payment of advance claim the The contract was signed on December, 29 2020.

The contractor was yet to mobilise, pending payment advance of claim the The contract was signed on January, 13, 2020.

The contractor was yet mobilise, to pending payment of advance claim the The overall implementation of the ACROW Bridge Programme had been affected of non availability of funds.
48 Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that works for the three contracts already signed comprising of seven crossings in Zambezi District commence without further delay, as delay in commencement of works will attract additional costs due to standing time.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the construction of bridges in Zambezi West.
51/18 Construction of Infrastructure in Siavonga District On 13th July, 2018, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the construction of the Police Station, staff houses for police officers, district administration office block, post office, civic centre, medium cost housing units and low cost housing units for civil servants is expected to be completed by December, 2018, subject to availability of funds.
In noting the progress made on the construction of the police station, two medium cost houses, eight low cost houses and associated external works the previous Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that the remaining works were expeditiously completed.

The Committee had also expressed disappointment that the status quo for the construction of other infrastructure in Siavonga District had remained the same.

The Committee, therefore, had resolved to await a comprehensive progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response In its update to the Committee, the Executive submitted that all projects in Siavonga District were below 80 per cent in terms of progress of work on site; hence do not qualify for funding in line with the Governments’ policy.

In addition, slow progress works was attributed to the rise in the cost of building materials as a result of devaluation of the local currency.
Nonetheless, the Executive had identified priority projects that would be considered for currency fluctuation and possible funding so that delivery of executive services was improved at the district.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with concern that all projects in Siavonga District were below 80 per cent complete four years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House.
The Committee therefore urges the Executive to ensure that funds are urgently secured to facilitate the full implementation of the project as continued delay will result in additional cost due standing time and rehabilitation works as a result of vandalism of already constructed structures.

The Committee resolves to await a comprehensive progress report on the matter.
11/15 Construction of the Lusaka-Kapiri Mposhi Dual Carriageway On 24th September, 2015, the Minister of Justice and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House made an assurance on the floor of the House on behalf of the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications as follows: 49 Mr Speaker, it is envisaged that the proposed construction of the Lusaka/Kapiri Mposhi Dual Carriageway will commence in the second quarter of 2016, under a public-private partnership (PPP) financing model.
The previous Committee in noting the submission was disappointed that the 80 per cent policy was being applied even to assurances which were made well before the policy was implemented.

The Committee, therefore, had urged the Executive to consider revisiting the policy and to exempt assurances made on the floor of the House from its application.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the Ministry of Finance had granted authority to terminate the aforesaid signed contract.

The Committee was further informed that the Road Development Agency would engage the office of the Attorney General to ensure that any litigation costs were avoided and that an alternative means of financing the project would be explored.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee notes the submission with dismay taking into account the inordinate time it has taken for the Executive to actualise the project.

The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to expedite the termination of the aforesaid signed contract to facilitate for the procurement of a new contract.
The Committee further, urges the Executive to see to it that funds for this project are urgently secured considering that the project has been outstanding for over seven years.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
20/15 Rehabilitation of Gwembe/Chisekesi Road On 22nd October, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Works and Supply made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, feasibility studies of this nature take about nine months to be completed and the contract was signed in September, 2015.

So, the road construction will commence before the end of 2016.
The previous Committee was disappointed to note that the rehabilitation of the Gwembe - Chisekesi Road had not commenced five years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House.

In this regard, the Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that assurances were prioritised when it came to funding and had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that works on the Gwembe-Chisekesi Road was in future Road Sector Work plans subject to availability of funds.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission bemoans the failure by the Executive to implement the project six years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House and finds the failure by the Executive to actualise the project unacceptable and frustrating to the mandate of the Committee.
The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to desist from making 50 assurances when financial backing is not certain.

Further, the Committee urges the Executive to define the timeframe in which this project will be undertaken.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
01/16 Masangano/Fisenge Road On 4th May, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Works and Supply made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Masangano/Fisenge Road Project on the Copperbelt Province is at the procurement stage and its works are expected to commence in the third quarter of 2016.

The project will be executed using the public-private partnership (PPP) model.

The delay in the rehabilitation of the road is attributed to the limited resource envelop due to competing needs.
In noting the submission, the pervious Committee had expressed concern that five years after the assurance was made on the Floor of the House, the project had not been actualised.

The Committee therefore, had urged the Executive to ensure that the project was implemented without further delay.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the Ministry of Finance had granted authority to terminate the aforesaid signed contract.
The Committee also heard that the Road Development Agency would engage the office of the Attorney General to ensure that any litigation costs were avoided however, alternative means of financing the project would be explored.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with concern the inordinate time it has taken the Executive to implement the project and urges it to ensure that the termination of the contract is expedited to facilitate for the procurement of the new contract.
The Committee further urges the Executive to ensure that funds are secured for the full implementation of the project without further delay.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

02/16 Kalabo/Kalongola Road On 9th March, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Works and Supply made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the construction of the Kalabo/Kalongola to Sitoti Road is scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2016.
The contract has been awarded to China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited for a sum of K1,695,918,648.60 for the duration of forty- eight months.

Sir, the Government, through the Road Development Agency (RDA), has plans to construct the above-mentioned crossing points under the same contract.

Mr Speaker, the works on the crossing points will be implemented under the same contract and are scheduled to commence in 2016.
The previous Committee had noted the submission with concern, considering that the signed contracts had to be terminated in the bid to try and bring the country’s debt to sustainable levels.

Given that it had taken the Executive over five years to actualise the project, the Committee, had urged it to ensure that the project was implemented without 51 further delay as the assurance still stands despite the contract being terminated.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the Ministry of Finance had granted authority to terminate the aforesaid signed contract.

The Committee was further informed that the Road Development Agency would engage the office of the Attorney General to ensure that any litigation costs were avoided.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with dismay the failure by the Executive to implement the project as was promised on the floor of the House over six years ago and urges it to expeditiously proceed with the termination of the aforesaid contract to facilitate for the procurement of a new one.

The Committee further, urges the Executive to secure funds for the full implementation of the project.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
06/16 Construction of Civil Servants’ Houses in Mitete On 10th March, 2016, the Deputy Minister of Works and Supply made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Government is constructing forty-two houses and other buildings in Mitete District.

The categories of the housing units are broken down as follows: two high-cost, twelve medium-cost and twenty eight low-cost.
Sir, the construction of twenty low-cost houses will be completed by the end of October, 2016, while the construction of ten medium-cost houses will be completed by the end of May, 2016, and the construction of two high-cost houses was supposed to have been completed by the end of February, 2016, but is likely to be delayed due to non-performance by the contractor.
The contract for the construction of a police station and ten houses for police officers, comprising two medium-cost and eight low-cost houses, has just been awarded and construction, which will commence as soon as possible, will be completed by the end of 2016.

Mr Speaker, the contractor for the construction of the twenty low-cost houses is KAPS Hardware Limited while the one for the ten medium-cost houses is MUCO Trading Limited.
The two high-cost houses are being constructed by Kampe Contractors Limited.

Sir, the time frame for the construction of the twenty low-cost houses and associated works is twenty months, starting from February, 2015, and ending in October, 2016, while that for the construction of ten medium-cost houses and associated external works is twelve months, starting from April, 2015, to May 2016.

The previous Committee, in noting the progress made had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
52 Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the construction of the forty-two houses in Mitete District was divided in different categories and was at different levels of completion.

i. ii.

iii.

iv.

twenty low cost houses were being undertaken by Kaps Hardware at a contract sum of K12,213,378.95.

Works on this project were at 82 per cent completion.

ten medium cost houses were being undertaken by MUCO Trading Limited at contract sum of K7,622,428.95.
Works on this project were at 80 per cent completion.

Civic Center and two high cost houses were being undertaken by Kaps Hardware at a contract sum of K9,972,382.66.

Works on this project were at 40 per cent completion.

two medium cost houses and eight low cost houses coming alongside the Police station were being done by Simuliya contractors at a contract sum of K14,433,222.30.

Works on this project were at 50 per cent completion.
The works on these projects could not be completed as scheduled due to financial constraints and also the challenges faced by the contractors regarding the cost of material fluctuations.

Guidance was sought from the Office of the Attorney General, and further authority was obtained from Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) on the negotiations for contract price adjustment on the projects that had advanced.
Based on the above, the Ministry commenced negotiations for price adjustment in a phased approach starting with the projects that had advanced to 80 per cent completion.

The Committee was further informed that negotiations were undertaken with the contractors executing the construction of twenty low cost houses and ten medium cost houses, so far and were awaiting clearance from the Attorney General’s Office for contract price adjustment.
Then the completion period would be determined once negotiations were completed.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to secure funds for the completion of the projects’ remaining works to avoid additional cost due to currency fluctuation and increase in building materials.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
13/16 Construction of Masaiti District Administration Offices On 15th April, 2016, the Deputy Minister of Works and Supply made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the construction of the District Administration Offices in Masaiti shall commence now that the land has been allocated for the proposed new district administrative centre.
Survey drawings for the old Masaiti Boma area have been completed, but the provincial administration decided to relocate the new district to an area near the Kapiri Mposhi/Ndola Highway.

53 Sir, the contractor shall be identified after tender evaluation.

The contract sum shall be known after the selection of the successful bidder.

As regards the time frame, this project should be done within ten to twelve months.
The previous Committee in noting the submission had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Executive in its update submitted that the procurement process for the construction of Masaiti District Administration Offices was completed, however, award and commencement of works was deferred to a later date due to Government’s directive not to start new projects until the running projects were completed.
It is expected that once the running projects were completed, new projects including the construction of Masaiti Administration Offices would commence.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission observes with the concern the inordinate time it has taken the Executive to fully implement the project.

In this regard, the Committee urges the Executive to ensure that it defines the timeframe in which the project will be undertaken.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

17/16 Post Office in Mitete On 16th February, 2016, the Deputy Minister of Transport and Communication made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the construction of the post office and associated external works in Mitete will be completed by the end of March, 2017 and the contractor undertaking the construction of the post office is Eldermain Business Solutions.
Mr Speaker, the completion period for the construction of the post office is nineteen months, running from October, 2015, to the end of March, 2017.

The contractor has since drilled a borehole and the foundation has been excavated.

The previous Committee in noting the submission had expressed disappointment at the failure by the Executive to secure funds for the construction of a Post Office in Mitete four years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House.
The Committee hence had urged the Executive to secure funds to expeditiously actualise the project and had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the status of the project had remained the same during the period under review.

The contractor was still awaiting the advance payment to enable them commence works.

The Committee was also informed that the delay to pay the advance was due to financial constraints.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations 54 The Committee observes with concern the failure by the Executive to pay the contractor the advance payment due to financial constraints five years behind the promised completion date.

The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to urgently secure funds for the immediate implementation of the project and resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
19/16 North-Western Railway Concession On 17th February, 2016, the Deputy Minister of Transport and Communication made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Government has not yet signed the North-Western Railway Concession.

However, the Ministries of Finance, and Transport and Communication have generated a Cabinet Memorandum, which will be circulated by the first week of March, 2016, for comments before submission to Cabinet after it is cleared.
The Cabinet Memorandum will then be presented before Parliament in the form of a Bill in the next Session of Parliament in April, 2016.

Mr Speaker, the concession contract for the construction of the railway line will be signed in July, 2016, and construction of the railway line will begin in 2017.

The previous Committee in noting the submission made had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that since Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) would hold shares on behalf of the Government in the North-Western Railway (NWR) Project, the Ministry of Transport and Communications had handed over the project including the developed draft Stakeholders Agreement (SA) to IDC.

Finalisation and signing of the SA awaited input from IDC.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that the finalisation and signing of the Stakeholders Agreement is expedited to facilitate the full implementation of the project.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
32/16 Rehabilitation of the Tateyoyo Gate/Katunda Road Turn-Off On 24th February, 2016, the Deputy Minister of Works and Supply made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, it is envisaged that the works on the Tateyoyo Gate to Katunda/Lukulu Junction will commence in the second quarter of 2016.

The previous Committee had noted the submission with concern as it had taken the Executive over five years to actualise the project.
The Committee, therefore, had urged the Executive to urgently secure funds for the project to be actualised.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response 55 The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that funds for the project had not yet been secured.

The Committee was further informed that the Government remained committed to having the project implemented once funds were mobilised.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission expresses concern at the inordinate time it has taken the Executive to actualise the project and urges the Executive not to take assurances made on the floor of the House as mere pronunciations.

The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to urgently secure funds for the project to be actualised without further delay.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
33/16 Road Signage between Chongwe and Luangwa Bridge On 29th April, 2016, the Deputy Minister of Works and Supply made the following assurance: Sir, there are plans to put up road signs on this stretch in the second quarter of 2016 through the routine maintenance contracts on the same stretch.

The pervious Committee in noting the progress made, had urged the Executive to ensure that the road signage were installed on the remaining part of the road and had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee indicated that the road signage was installed on the section from kilometre 18 to kilometre 30.

Further, signage from kilometre 30 to kilometre 90 (Kamilulu) would be installed once funds were made available.

However, the section from Kamilulu to the Luangwa Bridge was placed under periodic maintenance and the contractor engaged would also install road signage.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee notes with concern the slow pace in which the project is being undertaken considering the time it has taken for the Executive to implement the project.

The Committee urges the Executive to ensure that road signage between Chongwe and Luangwa Bridge is installed without further delay as continued delay may be disastrous due to poor signage.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
43/17 Construction of Bridges in Chitambo Constituency On 30th June, 2017, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurances: Madam Speaker, the Road Development Agency (RDA) has targeted to construct a bridge across the Loumbwa River in Chitambo Parliamentary Constituency under the Acrow Bridge Programme.

Preparation for detailed designs has reached an advanced stage, and is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2017.
The construction of the bridge is expected to commence in 2018 upon procurement of a contractor.

Only one bridge across the Loumbwa River is earmarked for construction in 2017.

Other bridges in the Constituency may be considered in the 2018 Road Sector Annual Work Plan when funds permit.

56 The previous Committee in noting the submission had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response In its update to the Committee, the Executive submitted that the contract for construction of Sub-structures and Assembly of the Prefabricated Steel Acrow Panel Bridges in Central Province – Lot 1 was signed on 1st June, 2020, with Messrs MNS Global World Zambia Limited at a contract price of ZMW57,126,750.39 (VAT inclusive) for a duration of nine months.

The contractor commenced mobilisation on 31st August, 2020.
The contractor had established his camp, which also incorporated the Engineer’s facilities.

The contract duration came to an end prior to the contractor commencing any main works.

This was due to funding challenges faced by the project.

The overall implementation of the ACROW Bridge Programme was affected by limitations of funds.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission observes with concern that despite the contractor having established camp and incorporated the engineer’s facilities, works did not commence due to funding challenges.

The Committee finds the failure by the Executive to facilitate the construction of bridges in Chitambo Constituency five years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House unacceptable.
The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to ensure that resources are secured to construct bridges in Chitambo Constituency before without further delay.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
44/17 Tarring of Mukobeko Maximum Correctional Facility/Ngabwe Road/Local Tour On 5th July, 2017, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance: Madam Speaker, the tarring of the road might be considered in the 2018 Road Sector Annual Work Plan (RSAWP), funds permitting.
However, the Road Development Agency (RDA) has varied the scope of the contract for the periodic maintenance of the T2 Road from Kabwe to Chibombo to include spot improvement of the Kabwe/Ngabwe Road and facilitation of the continuous flow of traffic on the road.

Consultancy for the preparation of the detailed design of the bridge across the Kafue River at Ngabwe is currently in progress and the design will be completed by the fourth quarter of 2017.
The construction of the bridge is expected to commence in 2018, upon completion of the designs and procurement of a contractor.

In noting the submission, the Committee, in the previous Session noted with concern that the Executive had failed to implement the project four years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House.

The Committee, therefore, had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured for the tarring of the road without further delay.
The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Executive, in its update to the Committee, indicated that it had remained committed to implementing the project once funds were available.

In the interim, the Executive through RDA had continued to maintain the road under force account in order to keep it safe for 57 road users.
A stretch of 2.5kilometre had been maintained and more kilometers would be maintained once more funds were released for the force account works.

To augment the findings during the long meetings, the Committee undertook an on the spot check of the tarring of Mukobeko Maximum Correctional Facility/Ngabwe Road.

During the tour, the Committee learnt that the 150Km Kabwe to Ngabwe road was being worked on as a variation order on the maintenance contract of Kabwe Chibombo road.
However, the contractor only did some heavy grading and spot re-gravelling without any drainage works.

The Committee was also informed that upon termination of the main contract, works on the Kabwe – Ngabwe road therefore were discontinued.

The worst sections of the road were between Chief Mukubwe and the Kafue River, on the last 50Km of the Kabwe to Ngabwe Pontoon road.
Due to heavy rainfall experienced in this area, the road was usually overtopped with flood water at three points, Km 131 + 700, km 132 + 400 and Km 134 + 900.

The section between Km 70 + 500 and Km 105 + 500 had a dambo area and an embankment which was inadequately drained.

There was a likelihood of the three sections highlighted above, being completely impassable if culverts were not installed.
In this regard, the Committee heard that a total of K560,000 was given to the RDA under the force account to ensure that the road was passable.

The Committee learnt that a stretch of about 2.5Km at Km 81 was worked on to make the road passable by way of lifting the embankment, however, due to the heavy rains water found its way through the weaker points damaging the road again.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with concern that the Government has continuously been spending money on this road without a lasting solution being found.

The Committee therefore, recommends that funds are urgently secured so that the road can be brought to an all weather standard, as a long term plan to have the road tarred is being advanced.

The Committee reiterates the need for the Executive to make assurances only when funds are available.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

45/17 Implementation of Link Zambia 8,000 Kilometre Road Project On Wednesday 5th July, 2017, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made an assurance: Madam Speaker, the implementation of the Link Zambia 8,000 Kilometres Road Project is behind schedule because the target was to complete all the 8,000 km by 2020.

The project time frame was ten years.


The major challenge to the implementation of the project has been budgetary limitations.

However, the Government is exploring various options for financing the project, such as the contractor-facilitated initiative (CFI), public-private partnerships (PPPs) and engineering, procurement, construction plus finance (EPC+F).
the construction of the Madam, on Katete/Msoro/Chipata Road, we have received proposals from two contractors who have expressed interest to work on the project road under a CFI, and we have submitted them to the the Mtetezi/Msoro Road also known as 58 Ministry of Finance for consideration.

The Ministry has also started preparing for the possibility of procuring the works under the Government financing in the next financial year in the event of it not being given the authority to do some works under a CFI.
In that regard, the Ministry has started preparing the designs and hopes to complete them by December, 2017.

If authority to procure the works under a CFI is granted, we should be able to conclude the project by the end of 2017.

Madam, the time frame for completing the Mtetezi to Msoro Road will only be determined once the designs have been completed and the contract works signed.
The previous Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured and that the project was implemented as was promised on the floor of the House.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that rehabilitation works were being undertaken on the stretch from Chipata to Msoro.

The works were being undertaken by Messrs Norwood Enterprises at a contract sum of K99 million VAT inclusive.
The progress of works was at 18 per cent.

The Committee was informed that progress was slow due to limitation in available funds to the road sector.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission expresses concern that it has taken the Executive inordinately long to actualise this project and urges it to expeditiously secure funds to implement the project as continued delay will lead to additional cost due to standing time.
Further, considering that the contract has already been signed consistency in the disbursement of funds to the project is necessary.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

37/17B Staff Houses for Agricultural Camps in Chitambo On Friday 16th June, 2017, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the construction of agricultural camp houses in various parts of the country will be considered for inclusion in the 2018 budget.
Priority will be given to newly-created districts such as Chitambo.

The previous Committee had noted the submission with concern as the assurance to construct agricultural camp houses in various parts of the country was to be included in the 2018 budget.

However, the Executive had to date been citing financial constraints as the reason for not undertaking the project, a situation which the Committee found unacceptable.
The Committee, had therefore, urged the Executive to ensure that assurances made on the floor of the House were given priority when it came to funding and had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Executive, in its update to the Committee, submitted that construction of Agricultural Camp houses had not commenced in Chitambo District because the current policy was to 59 focus on completing projects that were 80 per cent and above.
The Committee was further informed that new projects and those which were below 80 per cent complete were deferred.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that funds are secured for the construction of the district infrastructure in Chitambo.

The Committee further urges the Executive to reconsider applying the 80 per cent and above policy to assurances made on the floor of the House.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

41/17 Lundazi/Chama Road On 28th June, 2017, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Mr Speaker, the tarring of the Lundazi/Chama Road was divided into five lots for ease of implementation as follows: Lot Activities 1.
2. a 65 km surface was substantially completed; the progress is at 10 per cent and the contractor is on site awaiting to continue ‘ works when funds are made available; and 3. the works are on-going and the progress is currently at 8 per cent.

It is anticipated that the contractor will complete a 10 km stretch of the road by the end of the fourth quarter of 2017.
The previous Committee in noting the submission had expressed concern and urged the Executive to ensure that the project was implemented as promised on the floor of the House.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the addendum to re-scope the project to gravel standard was signed.

Works were anticipated to expedite once the cash flow to the project improved.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with dismay that limited funds are the reason that the implementation of the project has been delayed.

The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to ensure that assurances made on the floor of the House are given priority when it comes to funding.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
31/17 Tarring of Muyombe/Isoka Road On 23rd March, 2017, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Isoka/Muyombe Road Project was divided into five lots for ease of implementation.

The works on Lot 1 are substantially complete while those on Lot 2 are currently ongoing, although the progress has been minimal due to financial limitations.
The 60 contracts for Lots 3, 4 and 5 have been signed and the initial completion dates are 9th June, 2017, 3rd March, 2018, and 26th July, 2017.

These dates may be reviewed if the contractors request for extensions.

In noting the submission, the previous Committee had acknowledged the submission with concern and had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured and that the project was implemented as was assured on the floor of the House.
The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the addendum to re-scope the project to gravel standard was signed and works were anticipated to expedite once the cash flow to the project improved.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee acknowledges the submission with concern considering that it has taken over four years for the project to be actualised due to cash flow challenges.
The Committee urges the Executive to ensure that a mechanism to ensure that assurances are implemented within the promised time is devised.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
32/17 Mbesuma/Kafwimbi Road On 23rd March, 2017, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance: Sir, the Government has plans to upgrade to bituminous standard the road from Mbesuma in Chinsali District to Kafwimbi in Isoka District and to construct a bridge across Chambeshi River to connect Mbesuma to Kafwimbi in Isoka District.
Sir, the Ministry intends to commence the construction of the Mbesuma Bridge in 2017, funds permitting, and we have requested Treasury authority from the Hon.

Minister of Finance because we have already engaged a contractor.

The previous Committee had expressed concern that the Executive had not been fulfilling the assurances and had urged it to ensure that assurances were given attention as promised on the floor of the House.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s response The Committee was informed that the plan to execute the upgrading of the Mbesuma to Kafwimbi Road under the Contractor Facilitated Initiative (CFI) model of financing was still on hold due to the indefinite postponement of debt contraction by the Treasury to keep the debt at sustainable levels.
The Committee was further informed that in the interim, the Executive through RDA was undertaking spot improvement works under the force account to keep the road safe for road users while major works were being awaited.

The force account works were being undertaken at a cost of K2.3 million.
61 Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission expresses concern that little has been done to ensure that the assurance is fully implemented and finds the spot improvement works which are being undertaken not good enough.
The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to ensure that funds are secured for the upgrade to bituminous standard of the road from Mbesuma in Chinsali District to Kafwimbi in Isoka District and to construct a bridge across Chambeshi River to connect Mbesuma to Kafwimbi in Isoka District.

The Committee resolves to await a comprehensive progress report on the matter.
42/17 Infrastructure Development in Ngabwe On 29th June, 2017, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that all the staff houses have been roofed and plastered.

All things being equal, the construction of the houses is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2017.

Sir, the contract for the construction of the post office was recently terminated.
The contractor has since challenged the termination and the matter is being looked into by the Ministry.

Funds permitting, the construction of the post office is expected to be completed by the end of 2017.

Mr Speaker, the contract for the construction of the civic centre was terminated and the process of engaging another contractor to finish the works is underway.

Funds permitting, the project is expected to be completed by December, 2017.
Sir, the contract for the construction of Ngabwe District Administration has been recommended for termination due to poor performance by the contractor.

The completion date will be known after the engagement of a new contractor.

The construction of the police station and ten associated houses are at an advanced stage and is expected to be completed by December, 2017.
In noting the progress made the previous Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that work performance by the contractor was up to standard and had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive, in its update to the Committee, submitted that progress on the construction of twenty low cost houses, ten staff houses for the Police and ten medium cost houses had been slow since the last update due to increased cost of building materials arising from currency fluctuations.

The projects were being considered for price adjustment to mitigate the effect of devaluation of the kwacha.
Meanwhile, the contract for the construction of administration block was recommended for termination due to contractor’s poor performance.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations 62 The Committee expresses concern at the slow pace at which the construction of infrastructure in Ngabwe is going.

The Committee hence, urges the Executive to urgently secure funds to facilitate the completion of the infrastructure development in Ngabwe.
Further, the Committee urges the Executive to expedite the process to terminate the contract for the construction of administration block, to facilitate for the procurement of the new contract.

As already alluded to, continued delay will result to additional cost due to the increase in the cost of building materials and rehabilitation due to vandalism of the existing structures.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
13/16 Upgrading of Mkushi Roads On 17th November, 2016, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance: Sir, the Masansa/Luano/Kabwe/Ndola Road is part of the project to upgrade the Kabwe/Kapiri/Mkushi Road (D200/D207/D214) and including the Mpula/Masansa roads in the Central Province to bituminous standard.

The detailed designs for the projects were completed in September, 2016, at a cost of K6.2 million.
The Government intends to use the contractor facilitated initiative (CFI) model in financing this project.

In this model, the contractor mobilises funds for the project.

Sir, it is envisaged that the works on this project will commence upon the finalisation of the procurement of the contractor and the financing arrangements in the third quarter of 2017.
In noting the submission, the previous Committee had expressed disappointment with the levels of inconsistency by the Executive with regard to the funding of assurances made on the floor of the House.

The Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that projects were undertaken as assured.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the Ministry of Finance and Road Development Agency would be engaged in the review of the contract and financing modalities for Mkushi Roads.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with disappointment that the Executive did almost nothing during the year under review to ensure that the project is undertaken.
The Committee finds the efforts by the Executive in the implementation of the project sluggish which should not be the case six years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House.

The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to ensure that a lasting solution is found for the project to be fully implementated without further delay.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
18/16 Bridges in Lunte Constituency On 7th December, 2016, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, it is expected that the works on the Lukulu Bridge will be carried out at the end of the 2016/2017 rainy season.

The Road Development Agency (RDA) has already 63 undertaken a conditions survey on the crossing point and has since submitted the cost requirement to the National Fund Agency (NRFA) for possible funding.
The crossing point is expected to be worked on after the rainy season.

Sir, it is expected that the works on the Luangwa Bridge will be undertaken at the end of the 2016/2017 rainy season.

The RDA has already undertaken a condition survey of the crossing point and has since submitted the cost estimate to the NRFA for possible funding so that the works can commence after the rainy season.
In noting the submission, the previous Committee in noting the progress made, had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured for the completion of works on the access road to the Lukulu crossing point and Luangwa Bridge.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that works on the access road to the Lukulu crossing point had commenced and were ongoing with progress standing at 38 per cent.
The commencement of the works on Luangwa Bridge still awaited release of funds for the works.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes the submission with disappointment considering that the failure by the Executive to commence works on the Luangwa bridge due to financial constraints six years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House.
The Committee urges the Executive to ensure that funds are secured to facilitate the implementation of the project and resolves to await a comprehensive progress report on the bridges in Lunte Constituency.
06/17 Construction of Mulambwa and Kaunga Bridges On 21st February, 2017, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the works on the Mulambwa and Kaunga Bridges are scheduled to be undertaken as a variation order under the project for the upgrading to bituminous standard of 91 km of the D145 Road from the Great East Road at Luangwa Bridge to Luangwa (Feira) in Lusaka Province.
The works will be undertaken during the course of 2017 by Messrs China Geo Engineering Corporation.

In noting the submission, the previous Committee had noted with sadness the Executive’s inability to actualise the project for the past three years due to financial constraints.

In this regard, the Committee was of the view that the Executive should treat assurances with the urgency that they deserve.
The Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured and the project implemented without further delay.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the implementation of the project had been affected by the limitation in available funds to the Road Sector.

The Executive was however, still committed to undertake the works once funds were made available.
64 Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that henceforth assurances should only be made on the floor of the House if the requisite funding is available so as to avoid a backlog of outstanding assurances.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
18/17 Upgrading of Kalubanshi/Milenge Road On 2nd March, 2017, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Mr Speaker, the Kalubanshi Road in Bangweulu Constituency is part of the Kasanka/Milenge Road, which is on the Road Sector Annual Work Plan for 2017.

We floated the tender under unsolicited proposal for execution by contractor-facilitated initiative (CFI) model.

We have since received the proposal and are currently reviewing it.
In noting the submission, the Committee, in the last Session, had expressed disappointment that the upgrading of the Kasanka Kalubashi/Milenge Road to bituminous standard would not be done following the guidance from the Ministry of Finance to cancel all contracts earmarked for financing using the Contractor Financing Initiative (CFI).

The Committee was however, of the view that the guidance by the Ministry of Finance could not include the financing of assurances made on the floor of the House.
The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that through the Road Development Agency it would continue to carry out maintenance works on the Kasanka Kalubashi/Milenge Road under force account to keep it safe for road users.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes the submission with concern considering the inordinate time it has taken the Executive to actualise the project and urges it to urgently secure funds to fully implement the project as continued maintenance works will not bring closure to the matter.

The Committee further implores the Executive to prioritise funding assurances made on the floor of the House and resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE 11/15 – Connection of Luena Barracks to new Water System On 4th March 2015, the Deputy Minister of Defence made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, Luena Barracks, which was initially constructed with an independent water supply system, will be connected to the Western Water Company (WWC) system in the 2016 budget cycle.

The previous Committee in the last Session in noting the progress made, had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
65 Executive’s Response The Executive, in its update to the Committee, indicated that progress made on the Luena Barracks was as follows: i. the Ministry signed the contract with Western Water and Sewerage Company on 17th December, 2020 to connect the barracks to a new water system; ii.

the site was handed over to the Western Water Company on 3rd March, 2021 to commence the works for the Project; iii.

the Western Water and Sewerage had not yet mobilised; and iv.
the project manager had written two warning letters to Western Water and Sewerage Company for failure to comply with the provision of the contract.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that Western Water and Sewerage Company comply with the provisions of the contract without further delay.
Further, the Committee is of the view that if Western Water and Sewerage fails to comply with the conditions of the contract then it should be terminated and given to another contractor who can do the works.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

30/13 Resuscitation of Mulungushi Textiles/Local Tour On 7th December, 2012, His Honour the Vice President undertook the following: Mr Speaker, the project to get Mulungushi Textiles working again is underway.
There are negotiations between the Ministry of Defence, which happens to have a chunk but, does not own the majority, it owns a significant chunk of about 30 percent or 34 per cent.

We are expecting it to be open, again, as a textile factory, and not as a dairy or piggery, within the next year.
The Committee in the previous Session observed with concern that the resuscitation of Mulungushi Textiles had taken inordinately long to be actualised and had urged the Executive to ensure that the process to have the debt project loan approved was expedited.

Further, the Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that an equity partner was found as soon as possible because the industry was still viable.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the garment and the ginnery factories had been opened.

The garment factory had begun producing face masks to help curb transmission of the Covid-19 Virus.

The Company was to produce garments for the Defence and Security Wings as follows: • 5,380 uniforms for the Zambia Army; and • 2,500 uniforms for the Zambia Air force.
66 The Committee was also informed that the company had secured some funds amounting to more than K14 million from the Zambian and Chinese Governments to procure equipment as well as cotton for the operations of the ginnery factory.

The equity partner had already been found by the name of Qingdao Ruichang from China.

To consolidate the submission from the Ministry during its long meetings, the Committee undertook an on the spot check of the Mulungushi Textiles in April, 2022.
Status of Machinery and Plant The Committee learnt that 80 per cent of the machinery and equipment was declared obsolete by the Chinese Technical team and marked for disposal.

The Committee was further informed that the plant is under care and maintenance.
Project and Programmes The Committee was informed that Mulungushi Textiles had ventured in a cotton out grower scheme where 6,321 x 15kg cotton seed and chemicals were distributed to 4,500 farmers in four farming zones stretching from Mkushi, Kapiri, Kabwe, Chisamba and part of Namwala District.

Rehabilitation of the Ginnery The Committee was informed that the equity partners had assured Management of Mulungushi Textiles that the ginnery would be operationalised by June/July 2022.
Garment Factory The Committee learnt that the factory was re-opened to undertake a pilot project for re- usable cloth face masks, for a period of three months, later ventured into Defence and Security uniforms.

However, for the past five months there had been no production due to lack of materials and sustainable orders from organisations.
Renovation of Administration Blocks, Garment Factory and Chinese Quarters The Committee was informed that the equity partners renovated the infrastructures at a cost of US$2 million but it was not satisfactorily completed and effort to work on the defect had yielded no positive results.

The roof of the administration block was leaking and part of the ceiling had fallen off.

The Committee was informed that Mulungushi Textiles Management was not involved in the renovations.
The Committee was informed that to ultimately sustain the Textile industry it was imperative that the production and productivity of cotton through the Company Cotton out-grower scheme should be improved.

A robust and well co-ordinated cotton out-grower scheme be put in place by the shareholders.

Further, there was need to integrate the cotton out grower scheme with soya beans and sunflower so as to increase streams of income and livelihood for the farmers.
During the local tours, the Committee learnt that there was need for the company to procure, the cooking oil processing equipment to process not only cotton seed but also soya beans and sunflower.

67 Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes that the 66 per cent Chinese shareholding was negatively working against the Zambian Government, considering that most of the decisions are made by the majority shareholder at the expense of the locals.
In this regard, the Committee urges the Government to consider revisiting the agreement to benefit both parties.

The Committee further observes with concern that an aid grant amounting to US$2 million was contracted to renovate the administrative block, Chinese quarters and Garment factory without the knowledge of the equity partner.
The Committee therefore, recommends that Chinese aid grants must be managed to some extent by both the Zambian and Chinese equity partners, failure to which the Mulungushi Textiles will never be able to function profitably.

The Committee further observes with concern that 80 per cent of the equipment and machinery at the factory was declared obsolete by the Chinese team.
Therefore, the Committee is of the view that in order to sustain the industry, there was need to integrate the cotton out grower scheme with soya beans and sunflower.

To achieve this, a total business re-engineering must be adopted considering the market competition.

Further the Committee urges the Executive to engage business consultants to access the viability of the whole project.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the full operationalization of Mulungushi Textiles.
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY 03/18 Payment of Terminal Benefits for Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Company (ZISCO) Former Workers On 17th June 2011, the Vice President and Minister of Justice made the following assurance on the floor of the House: “Mr Speaker, as the Hon.

Member has rightly pointed out, that is a labour matter and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is addressing it.
As a Government, we are concerned about situations of that nature because we want our workers to be paid whatever dues are owed to them.

Having been brought to the attention of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, it is a matter that can be looked into”.

The previous Committee in noting the submission had urged the Executive to ensure that legal opinion was urgently sought in order to bring the matter to its logical conclusion.
Further, the Committee had urged the Executive to follow up the matter which was brought to the attention of the higher office of the Republic of Zimbabwe through the diplomatic channels.

The Committee had also urged the Executive to ensure that concrete solutions were found to facilitate the payment of terminal benefits to former ZISCO workers.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the Government, through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, sought the legal opinion from the Office of the Attorney General on the 68 payment of terminal benefits for former workers of the Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Company.

However, official feedback on the matter was yet to be received.

Further, the Ministry wrote a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for possible intervention.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had only responded that the matter was forwarded to the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia in Harare, Zimbabwe and was receiving active attention.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security would therefore avail the Committee with latest information once official feedback was received from the Attorney General and/ or the Government of Republic of Zimbabwe.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with concern the slow pace at which the Executive is taking this matter, as the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has been waiting for feedback from the Attorney General for over a year to no avail.

The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to ensure that the matter is brought to its logical conclusion without further delay.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT 18/20 Chifubu Market/Local Tour On 11th February, 2020, the Minister of Local Government made the following assurances on the floor of the House: Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to construct markets in Chifubu Parliamentary Constituency.

Mr Speaker, Pamodzi Market will be constructed this year, whilst the Chifubu Market works are at 96 per cent completion.

As highlighted, the two markets earmarked to be constructed in Chifubu are Pamodzi and Chifubu.
The total cost of Chifubu Market is K1.6 million, whilst Pamodzi Market is K350,000.

The Committee in the previous Session in noting the progress made, had resolved to close the matter on the construction of Chifubu market and await a progress report on the construction of Pamodzi market shelter which was still on procurement stage.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that a contractor for Pamodzi Market was procured and works had since commenced with progress standing at 65 per cent.

To consolidate the submission by the Executive during its long meetings, the Committee undertook an on the spot check in April, 2022, of the progress made on the construction of the Pamodzi market shelter.
During the tours, the Committee learnt that the construction of Pamodzi market shelter was to be done in three phases as follows: Description Phase I Phase II Contract Details Construction of main market structure without table Construction of concrete market stands 69 Phase III Construction of market ablution block The Committee was informed that the reason as to why the construction of the market shelter was to be done in phases was that the local authority had to divide the available funds between two projects which were being undertaken in the area.
The Committee was further informed that phase I construction works of the Pamodzi market shelter commenced in January, 2021, with an initial contract duration of twelve months from the commencement date.

The contract to construct the Pamodzi Habitat Market Shelter phase I was awarded to Marton Investments Limited at a contract sum of K324,162.30.

The Committee further learnt that the delay in completion of phase I was due to contract variations as a result of the increase in the cost of roofing materials.
In this regard, the contract sum was revised to K395,845.66, which adjustment awaited authority from the Ministry, for the works to continue.

The Committee was informed that phase I works were 80 per cent complete.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee expresses with displeasure the status of the market and observes that completion of most integrated projects such as market shelters are negatively affected by the phasing of projects approach as funds to complete such projects are usually a challenge, hence so many projects stalling.
The Committee further observes with dismay the tendency by the Executive to divide available resources to start up so many projects at the same time resulting in projects taking long than planned to complete.

In this regard, the Committee urges the Executive to avoid the funding of so many projects in piece meals as this contributes to so many projects stalling and with time it becomes an additional cost to Government due to vandalism of uncompleted structures.
The Committee further, urges the Executive to ensure that authority is urgently granted to the payment of K83,255.00 to facilitate the completion of phase I.

In addition, the Committee recommends funds are secured to facilitate the commencement of phases II and III and resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
02/19 Upgrading of Mansa/Milambo Road On 4th October, 2018, the Minister of Local Government made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to work on the Mansa/Milambo Road under the Improved Rural Connectivity Project supported by the World Bank.

This project is being implemented under the Road Development Agency (RDA).

Sir, the procurement process under Luapula Province is scheduled to commence in 2019 using the output and performance based road contract.
The previous Committee in noting the submission, had urged the Executive to ensure that funds to upgrade the Mansa-Milambo Road were secured and the project implemented without further delay.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response 70 In its update to the Committee, the Executive submitted that the works on Mansa/Milambo road were to be done under force account by Road Development Agency (RDA) with financing from National Road Fund Agency (NRFA).
The works had not yet commenced due to constrained budgetary provisions.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with disappointment the failure by the Executive to actualise the upgrading of Mansa/Milambo road due the constrained budgetary provisions four years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House.
The Committee, therefore, urges the Executive to ensure that funds are secured to facilitate the implementation of the project and desist from making assurances as a means of pleasing the Members of Parliament and the general public.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
16/18 Public Libraries in Ndola On 20th February, 2018, the Minister of Local Government made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that Ndola City Council has plans to construct one library in each of the following constituencies: Ndola Central Kanini, Chifubu Misundu, and Bwana Mkubwa Ndeke.

Mr Speaker, according to the Council’s strategic plan, three libraries will be constructed in three years with effect from 2018.
The previous Committee had expressed concern that despite being earmarked for construction in 2018, works at the three libraries had not yet commenced due to budgetary constraints.

The Committee hence urged the Executive to ensure that the assurance was actualised without further delay.

The Committee had further reiterated its call for the Executive to take assurances seriously.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the construction of the three libraries that was planned for in the three constituencies i.e.

Ndola Central, Chifubu and Bwana Mkubwa had not yet been actualized due to budgetary constraints which the Council was still facing.

However, the Council was still making efforts to find cooperating partners who can help to finance the projects.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with concern that four years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House, the Executive has failed to secure funds for the construction of the three public libraries in Ndola.

The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to take seriously assurances made on the floor of the House and refrain from making assurances when there is no financial backing to a project.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
40/18 Tarring of Township Roads in Mkushi District On 29th June, 2018, the Minister of Local Government made the following assurance: Sir, the cause of the delay in completing the works on the tarring of township roads in Mkushi District has been the delay in making advance payments.

However, this has now been settled.

71 The contractor has already started mobilising equipment on site and works are expected to commence next month in July and are expected to be completed in 2019.
The contract duration is fourteen calendar months.

The previous Committee had observed the submission with concern owing to the fact that no progress was registered in the last two years.

The Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured so that the project could be implemented without any further delay.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive, in its submission to the Committee submitted that the physical progress on this project stood at 14 per cent.

There had been a lack of activity on the site attributed to the following: • financial resources constraints on the part of the contractor failing to mobilise construction materials, inadequate project key personnel on site; and • delays in finalising the installation of the aggregate crusher plant.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee notes the submission with concern considering the inordinate time it has taken the Executive to actualise the project.

The Committee, thus urges the Executive to ensure that the contractor is constantly funded to facilitate the mobilisation of construction materials, project key personnel on site and the finalisation of the installation of aggregate crusher plant.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
43/14 Construction of infrastructure in Sikongo District On Wednesday, 10th December, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, as a Ministry, we have budgeted for the construction of the offices through the Local Government Equalisation Fund for 2015.

We expect the construction works to start as soon as the money is released to that district.
The previous Committee in noting the submission had urged the Executive to ensure that the construction of various infrastructures in Sikongo District was completed as was submitted.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the construction of infrastructure in Sikongo District had lagged behind mainly due to failure by contractors to commence work on site even after being paid outstanding certificates.

Contractors had complained of increased cost of building materials arising from devaluation of the local currency.
In order to address this issue, the Executive had commenced the process of reviewing the contracts to mitigate the effect of currency fluctuations.

Thereafter, contractors would be expected to fully return to sites and complete outstanding works on all projects whose progress was 80 per cent and above.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations 72 The Committee in noting the submission expresses disappointment at the inordinate time it has taken the Executive to finalise this project leading to additional cost due to increase in the cost of building materials and currency fluctuations.

The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to ensure that the reviewing of the contracts is expedited to facilitate the commencement of construction works.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
44/14 National Fire Service Training School On Wednesday, 10th December, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that in an effort to improve the operations and training at the National Fire Service Training School, the Ministry of Local Government and Housing has acquired land in Kafulamase in Kabwe in order to construct a modern training school that will have modern facilities.
The Procurement and Supply Unit in the Ministry is currently studying the terms of reference for consultancy services for the development of construction designs for the modern training school.

The previous Committee, in noting the submission, had reiterated its earlier position that the construction of the training centre be prioritised considering that it had taken the Executive over five years to actualise the project.
The Committee was further of the view that the application of the 80 per cent and above policy should not be applied to projects promised to be undertaken on the floor of the House.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the Ministry of Local Government had engaged the Ministry of Finance to enter into an Engineering Procurement and Construction Contract with financing from China.
However, due to the austerity measures on loan contraction, the project was on hold until Ministry of Finance advises on the way forward.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with concern that eight years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House, the Executive has resolved to put on hold the construction of the National Fire Service Training School due to austerity measures on loan contractions.
In this regard, the Committee urges the Executive to spontaneously secure funds for the construction of the school as the assurance was outstanding way before the austerity measures were put in place.

Further, so as to guard the integrity of the House, the Executive should ensure that promises made on the floor of the House are carried out as and when they are made.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
26/14 Rehabilitation of Kabwe Venus Theatre On Wednesday, 2nd October, 2014 the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Arts made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, all works are being done and will be completed in January 2015.

73 The previous Committee had expressed disappointment that the Executive had done nothing to ensure that Kabwe Venus Theatre was rehabilitated six years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House.
The Committee was, therefore, of the strong view that the Executive must desist from making assurances which were not backed by finances.

In this vein, the Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that assurances were given the seriousness they deserve rather than making statements on the floor of the House merely to impress the public.

The Committee, further, urged the Executive to urgently secure funds for the rehabilitation of the theatre and resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the Local Authority was yet to secure finances to undertake works at the theatre.

This was due to the constrained financial position the Local Authority was in, which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the Local Authority was working at entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS) for the rehabilitation of the theatre.
In the meantime, ZCS had taken up some responsibilities such as guarding and cleaning of the place.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendation The Committee in noting the submission observes with concern the tendency by the Executive of treating assurances in a casual way and urges it to take seriously the promises made on the floor of the House.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
22/16 Upgrading of Township Roads in Western Province On 18th February, 2016, the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing made the following assurance: “Mr Speaker, the following are the roads earmarked for upgrading and the estimated completion dates: Name Mongu Urban Roads Works in progress Kaoma Urban Roads Status Senanga Roads Urban 15th September Contract signed and site handed over to 2015. on contractor The contractor is mobilising Contract signed and the site handed over to contractor 2015. on The contractor is mobilising.
4th September, Estimated Completion Date 30th April, 2016 31st December, 2016 31st December, 2016 Sesheke Urban Roads Roads Project is at procurement stage Kalabo Urban Roads Contract is awaiting signing To be advised To be advised The previous Committee had noted the submission with concern as all the projects had stalled owing to financial constraints.
The Committee was of the view that the Executive should desist from making assurances which they do not intend to actualise but are only made to appease the general populace.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

74 Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that due to financial constraints, the Sesheke Urban Roads Project had also stalled and no works were ongoing.

Works would be attended to once the fiscal situation improved.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee bemoans the failure by the Executive to actualise the project six years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House.

The Committee is therefore, of the view that the Executive should only make assurances on the floor of the House were financial backing is certain.

The Committee resolves to await a comprehensive progress report on the upgrading of township roads in Western Province.
05/14 Solwezi Township Roads On 25th February, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Government has got money to work on those roads.

The previous Committee had noted the submission with disappointment and reiterated its earlier recommendation that the Executive should prioritise the funding of projects that were assured on the floor of the House.
The Committee further observed that continued financial constraints and promises by the Executive on the floor of the House for projects not being actualised were unacceptable as the Committee was being rendered ineffective.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the Ministry was highly constrained and solely depended on financing from the Treasury.
With the continued reduced financing for the township road projects, it had not been able to continue with projects that were procured and was no longer receiving financing.

Works would be attended to once the fiscal situation improved.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee expresses concern that eight years after the Executive assured the House that it had money to work on the township roads in Solwezi, nothing has been done to this effect.
The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to always ensure that assurances are implemented within the promised time frame, for them to be reliable and uplift the decorum of the House.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

09/14 Modern Market for Solwezi On 26th February, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Sir, the Ministry intends to construct a multi-storey market in Solwezi District.
In noting the submission, the previous Committee had noted the submission with dismay, taking into account the time it had taken for the Executive to actualise the project and had urged it to ensure that assurances that had been outstanding for over five years were prioritised when it came to funding.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
75 Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that funding constraints had continued being a challenge and that it was pursing alternative sources of financing the project.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee is disappointed to note that eight years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House, the Executive has continuously failed to find means of funding this project.
The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to ensure that funds are secured without further delay as it has taken inordinately long for it to actualise this project.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

13/14 Construction of Chipili District Council Houses On 6th March, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing assured the House as follows: Mr Speaker, the construction of staff houses for Chipili District Council is earmarked for completion in September, 2014.
The previous Committee had noted the submission and urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured and that the remaining works were completed as continued delay would result in vandalism of the already completed works.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the construction of the Chipili District Council Housing Project was almost completed with the project standing at 90 per cent.
The works that were completed include the drilling of the borehole, installation of overhead tank and electricity connection.

However, the following only finishes were remaining: installation of geysers in all units; installation of fire extinguishers in all units; tiling in four units; • painting of all ten houses (paint already in store); • • • • ceiling installation in all ten units (material on site); and • installation of wardrobe doors (materials on site).
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that the remaining works are completed without further delay so as to avoid vandalism of already completed structures.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
09/17 Feeder Road Rehabilitation in Lumezi Constituency On 22nd February, 2017, the Minister of Local Government made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Ministry will be able to commence the rehabilitation works for feeder roads in Lumezi Parliamentary Constituency once funds are secured.

The roads in question are among 76 priority roads that have been earmarked to be worked on in the 2018 Annual Work Plan and budget.
Sir, the time frame for the completion will only be determined after the completion of the feasibility studies and signing of the contract.

The total cost is currently unknown and will only be known when the feasibility studies are conducted.

The previous Committee had observed the submission with concern owing to the fact that nothing was done in the last twelve months to ensure that the project was actualised.
The Committee hence had urged the Executive to ensure that the financiers, National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) released the funds for the rehabilitation of feeder roads in Lumezi Constituency without further delay.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the Zambia National Service was no longer offering maintenance works on the Lundazi Chitungulu Road in Lumezi as it was now under a contract divided into three lots: Lot 1 - 45km Lot 2 - 40km and Lot 3 - 42km.

The contractors engaged had mobilised to site.

With the Treasury providing financing and timely releases, the works were expected to be completed by the end of 2022.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that works are completed by end of 2022 as submitted and resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
28/17 Modern Bus Station and Three Market Shelters Construction in Katete On 15th June, 2017, the Minister of Local Government made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Local Government, with the help of the German Development Coorperation, plans to construct a modern bus station and three market shelters in Katete District, under the Strengthening of Local Governance System in Zambia Project.
Sir, the construction of a modern bus station and three market shelters will commence by January, 2018.

The estimated cost of the project is K15 million.

The previous Committee in noting the submission, had expressed concern at the slow pace at which the project was being implemented and in this regard, was of the view that the Executive took particular measures to ensure that assurances made on the floor of the House were implemented within the time frame promised.
The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the Consultant had completed the Baseline Study and Conceptual designs were done.

The actual works would start once the procurement of the contractor was concluded.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee, in noting the submission, urges the Executive to expeditiously process the procurement of the contractor to facilitate the commencement of the works.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

77 20/16 Modern Market and Bus Station for Chama District On 15th December, 2016, the Minister of Local Government made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Ministry is planning to construct a modern market and bus station in Chama District under the 2017 Annual Work Plan.

This, however, is subject to availability of funds.

The delay in the commencement of the project was due to the non-availability of funds in 2015.
The previous Committee, in noting the submission, had urged the Executive to ensure that it expedited the process of pursing alternative financing sources for the project.

Further, the Committee had reiterated its earlier recommendation for the Executive to prioritise the funding of projects assured on the floor of the House.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the Consultant had completed the Baseline Study and Conceptual designs were done.

The actual works would start once the procurement of the contractor was concluded.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to expedite the process of procuring the contractor to facilitate the actualisation of the project.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF WATER DEVELOPMENT, SANITATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 19/20 Mufumbwe Constituency Borehole Sinking On 25th February, 2020, the Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Sir, the sinking of Borehores in Miluji, Lalafuta, Kaminzekezeke, Mushima, Musonweji, Kabipupu, Kalengwa and Matushi Wards in Mufumbwe Parliamentary Constituency has been planned to commence in 2020 because that is the time when the financing agreement will take effect.
The previous Committee in noting the submission had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the planned activities which emanated from the meeting held on the 14th of November, 2020 could not be actualised because the audit which was a prerequisite by the financier to release funds on the project was still ongoing.
The Committee was informed that once the final audit was cleared by the funder, the Ministry expected the funder to give a No Objection to commence the implementation of Phase II of the project.

78 In the event that the funder does not provide a No Objection for the commencement of the project, the Ministry had already planned and budgeted for the works to be undertaken in 2022.
Committee’s Observation and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that the project is implemented within 2022, as the Ministry has planned and budgeted for the works.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
24/18 Boreholes in Mushindamo District On 27th February, 2018, the Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Government has planned to sink a total of ten boreholes in Mushindamo District in 2018.
In noting the submission, the previous Committee had noted with concern the failure by the Executive to sink the ten boreholes as was promised on the floor of the House over two years ago and had urged it to ensure that assurances were undertaken seriously.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the ten boreholes which were earmarked to be drilled and equipped with hand pumps in Mushindamo District had not yet been drilled as the audit which was a prerequisite by the financier to release funds on the project was still ongoing.

The Ministry was anticipating receiving the final audit report on or before 31st March, 2022.
Once the final audit was cleared by the funder, the Ministry expects the funder to give a No Objection to commence the implementation of Phase II of the project.

In the event that the funder does not provide a No Objection for the commencement of the project, the Ministry has already planned and budgeted for the works to be undertaken in 2022.
Committee’s Observation and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that the project is actualised and fully implemented within the 2022 fiscal year.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
28/16 Rural Water and Sanitation Project in Mitete District On 19th February, 2016, the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Rural Water and Sanitation Project funded by the African Development Bank (ADB) has already commenced in Mitete District.

Preparations for actual water supply and sanitation infrastructure development will start this year.
The previous Committee in noting the progress made, had urged the Executive to ensure that the remaining twenty-two boreholes were sunk and handed over to beneficiary 79 communities without further delay.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response In its update to the Committee, the Executive submitted that the drilling and equipping with hand pumps of the twenty-two boreholes had commenced with nine already drilled, equipped and handed over to the beneficiary communities with the support of the Africa Development Bank (AfDB), while the remaining thirteen boreholes were being procured.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the progress made urges the Executive to ensure that the remaining thirteen boreholes were drilled, equipped and handed over to the beneficiary communities without further delay.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the remaining thirteen boreholes.
29/16 Sinking of Boreholes in Lumezi On 21st April, 2016, the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing made the following assurance: Sir, the number of boreholes earmarked for sinking in Lundazi District in 2016 is seventy- one, out of which seventeen will be sunk in Lumezi Constituency.
The previous Committee had expressed disappointment over the failure by the Executive to ensure that the remaining boreholes were drilled and equipped, three years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House.

The Committee had urged the Executive to urgently secure the funds to facilitate the sinking of the remaining boreholes without further delay.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the drilling of boreholes in Lumezi District was part of the contract for the drilling of boreholes in all the Districts in Eastern Province.

The Committee heard that the contractor had been working in other Districts following a schedule and had not yet reached Lumezi District.

Therefore, no boreholes had been drilled yet in Lumezi District.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that Lumezi is also attended to within the course of 2022.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

12/17 Serenje Water Reticulation System On 24th February, 2017, the Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection made the following assurance: Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to improve the water reticulation system in Serenje Township.
Madam, the Government is currently implementing a water supply project in the New Serenje area of Serenje town and progress is currently at 42 per cent.

So far, 30 km of pipeline has been laid and a storage tank erected.

The project is expected to be 80 completed by the third quarter of 2017.
In addition, the Government has mobilised US$1.6 million to fund feasibility studies that facilitate the preparation of investment proposals for the implementation of water supply and sanitation projects in selected districts that will include Serenje, under the Lukanga, North-Western and Southern water utility companies.

The previous Committee had noted the submission with concern and had urged the Executive to ensure that the Treasury made the funds available for the remaining works to be completed.
The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that from 31st March 2021 to 21st January 2022, the Ministry received funds from the Treasury amounting to ZMW3,803,281.00 million that were allocated for the implementation of the Serenje Water Supply Project.
The resources were used to buy materials for the power connections to the boreholes, construction of three pump houses and installation of the transmission line from the three boreholes to the overhead tank.

A total of 1.8km transmission line was installed remaining with only 54 meters which would be completed after cutting the Great North Road.

An addition of 180m distribution network had also been installed.
The overall progress stood at 86 per cent complete and was scheduled to be fully completed by end of second quarter of 2022, funds are available.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that the remaining works were completed by the end of second quarter of 2022 and resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
33/17 Water Reticulation System for Chiengi District On 23rd March, 2017, the Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection made the following assurance: “Mr Speaker, yes, the Government has plans to construct a water reticulation system in Chiengi District.
The implementation of the project has been planned for in the 2017 Annual Work Plan (AWP), once funds are released from the Treasury.” In noting the progress made, the previous Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that works commenced and funds were disbursed consistently to facilitate a complete water reticulation system for Chiengi District.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report was finalised and approval was granted to commence works.

In this regard, the contractor mobilised to site in the fourth quarter of 2021 and works had since commenced.

The Committee was further informed that the contractor had been paid a partial advance 81 payment amounting to ZMW17,416,910.00 against a total advance payment request of about ZMW 22,416,962.11.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that the remaining amount from the requested advance payment be made without further delay.

The Committee also urges the Executive to ensure that there is consistent in the disbursement of funds to facilitate a complete water reticulation system for Chiengi District and avoid additional cost due to standing time charges.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
17/16 Dams and Boreholes in Nyimba District On 30th November, 2016, the Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Government has budgeted for ten boreholes in 2016 in Nyimba under the National Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programme.

Out of the ten potential dam sites, the one in Kacholola is undergoing feasibility studies and is likely to be constructed in 2017.
In noting the submission, the previous Committee had bemoaned the failure by the Executive to fund the project and urged it to ensure that the Treasury released the funds to enable the actualisation of the project.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that funds for the construction of Kacholola Dam had been set aside in the 2022 fiscal year.
The construction of the said dam would commence after site verification and completion of the procurement of the contractor.

The Committee was further informed that site verification would be undertaken after the rainy season.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that the site verification and procurement of the contractor is done immediately after the rainy season as submitted.
The Committee resolves to await a comprehensive progress report on the matter.

14/13 Construction of Dams in Mapatizya Constituency On Friday, 22nd February, 2013, the Deputy Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Government, through the Department of Water Affairs, plans to rehabilitate the mentioned dams in 2013.

This will be done after the rainy season.


In noting the submission the previous Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that the Treasury released funds to enable the feasibility studies for Siambelele and Chuundwe dam sites.

Further, the Committee required an update on the court case with regard to the proposed Tambana dam site.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

82 Executive’s Response In its update to the Committee, the Executive submitted as follows: i. ii.
Siambelele and Chuundwe Proposed Dams Sites Funds to undertake the feasibility studies for Siambelele and Chundwe were set aside in the 2022 fiscal year.

The feasibility studies would commence after the rain season in April, 2022.

The Court Case on Tambana Proposed Dam Site The Committee was informed that the court case on Tambana proposed dam site of Attorney General vs Namusa Agencies was ruled in favour of the state (Attorney General) and the claims made by the plaintiff (Namusa Agency) were dismissed.
Further, the plaintiff did not appeal against the judgement, therefore, the case was closed.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that works to construct dams in Mapatizya Constituency commence immediately after the rain season as it has taken the Executive inordinately long to actualise the project.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
05/16 Improvement of Water Reticulation in Samfya On 10th February, 2016, the Minister of Local Government and Housing made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to improve the water supply and sanitation situation in Samfya District.

Sir, the Government has already engaged the African Development Bank (AfDB) to finance the rehabilitation and construction of water and sanitation infrastructure in Samfya District.
The Bank has just undertaken its preparatory mission to Samfya and, once it approves the project proposal, the implementation of the project will commence in the third quarter of this year.

In noting the submission the previous Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the Ministry had concluded the engagement of the contractor for the water supply and sanitation project in Samfya District.
The project commenced on 22nd May, 2020 and was scheduled to be completed by 31st December, 2021, however, the contractor requested for extension of time to 21st June, 2022 due to COVID 19 which affected the supply chain of the construction materials.

The Committee was informed that the project stood at 81 per cent complete.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that the project is fully implemented within the scheduled timeframe.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

83 OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT 20/20 Rural Roads Infrastructure Development in Kanchibiya On 13th March, 2020, the Vice-President made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Mr Speaker, this Government is committed to improving the road network infrastructure, including feeder roads in the country.
As soon as the rains end, the Government will embark on rural roads infrastructure development in Kanchibiya and many other parts of the Northern Province.

Sir, this is a programme that has been funded already, so it is a matter of time when mobilisation of contractors will start.

We are concerned about the state of rural roads, especially with the heavy rains that we are experiencing this year.

The roads in that part of Zambia are in a deplorable state and the Government is doing something about it.
The previous Committee in noting the submission had expressed concern that rural roads which were earmarked for development in Kanchibiya were not completed and had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured to facilitate the actualisation of the projects.

The Committee had resolved to await a comprehensive progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the completion date for the construction of feeder roads on the Copperbelt, Central, Northern, North-Western and Western Provinces under the Phase II of the National Feeder Roads project would be December 8, 2024.

So far, 150km of roads had been done out of the targeted 500km and works were still ongoing.

However, owing to financial challenges, only 500km of roads was approved for implementation under the Phase II National Feeder Roads Programme.
In the interim, the Executive had reached an advanced stage in finalizing the procurement of the contractor to carry out emergency maintenance works of 60km of Mpika – Kopa-Mwinikashi Road (RD51) in Kanchibiya District.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that funds are secured for the approved 500km roads under phase II National Feeder Programme to facilitate their implementation as submitted.
The Committee further urges the Executive to ensure that the procurement of the contractor to carry out emergency maintenance works of 60km of Mpika – Kopa-Mwinikashi Road (RD51) in Kanchibiya District is expedited.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
02/16 Establishment of the Disaster Relief Trust Fund On Friday 30th June, 2016, the Vice President gave the following assurance: Mr Speaker, a great deal of progress has been noted in the establishment of the Disaster Relief Trust Fund.

As the Act stipulates, the disaster fund will not only receive money from the Treasury, but also from other sources.

It takes a while to study the various modes of accessing money for the Trust Fund outside Government funds.
Even within Government funding, we 84 have to look at sources to tap into to realise some funds for this Trust Fund.

Something is being done, and I believe that we are almost reaching the end of our consultancy work so that the Trust Fund will be able to be part of the 2018 national budget.

It is very important for DMMU to have its own fund so that it can respond to emergencies as they occur.
The previous Committee in noting the submission had urged the Executive to ensure that the Disaster Relief Trust Fund was operational.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that progress had been made in the operationalization of the Trust Fund as the account was opened at the Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO).
Furthermore, the Committee was informed that the guidelines for the Trust Fund had been developed and approved by the Technical Committee of Permanent Secretaries and only awaiting the approval of the Council of Ministers.

The Committee was also informed that the Minister of Health had informed Parliament that the Disaster Relief Fund would soon be tabled before Cabinet.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that the approval of the Disaster Relief Fund by the Council of Ministers is expedited so that it is tabled before Cabinet without further delay.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION 04/19 Construction of University Colleges On 19th September 2018, the Minister of Higher Education made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Ministry has made notable progress on the construction of the three university colleges in Kabompo District, Nalolo District and Katete District.

The tender processes have advanced with the evaluations to choose the consultant that will design the university colleges concluded in May, 2018.
The report has been submitted to the funder for a “no objection” before the contracts for the designing can be awarded.

Once the “no objection” is received, the Ministry will award the contract for designing of the works and will allocate a maximum period of three months to the consultant to complete the designs.

Thereafter, the tender for the construction will be floated to choose the contractors that will construct the institutions.
If the “no objection” is received within the month of September, construction is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2019.” The previous Committee expressed concern that the Executive does not seem to take assurances made on the floor of the House seriously and strongly urged it to ensure that funds were secured for these projects to be actualised.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
85 Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the Executive had not yet proceeded with the implementation of the projects due to fiscal constraints following the implementation of fiscal consolidation efforts.

The Ministry of Finance undertook a review of all projects that were externally financed to defer, scale down or cancel and in this regard Kabompo University College was deferred awaiting an improvement in the fiscal position of the country.
The fiscal position is yet to improve and as such, this project was still pending.

This and other projects will commence once the fiscal space had increased and Government was able to source funds for the projects.

The Committee would be updated on the progress.


Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee expresses dismay at the failure by the Executive to actualise the construction of the University College in Kabompo District, even after the cancellation of the construction of university colleges in Nalolo and Katete Districts.

In this regard, the Committee implores on the Executive to ensure that funds are urgently sourced to facilitate the construction of Kabompo University College.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

29/19 Milenge Trades Institute On 11th December, 2018, the Minister of Higher Education made the following assurance: Madam Speaker, the Ministry has been in negotiations with the contractor for Milenge Trades Institute on the revised contract sum.

The negotiations were concluded the week beginning 8th October, 2018 and the contracts have since been submitted to the Ministry of Justice for clearance.
As soon as the contracts are signed, the contractor will move on site and commence works.

It is envisaged that the work will resume by January, 2019.

Madam Speaker, the cost of completing the outstanding works stands at K31,863,322.90.
The previous Committee in noting the submission, had expressed concern at the time it had taken the Executive to negotiate with the contractor, and that no funds were secured to actualise the project despite the Minister having had promised the House that works were expected to commence in January, 2019.

The Committee, therefore, had strongly urged the Executive to ensure that funds were urgently secured and the assurance implemented given that a new contract was signed.
The Committee was also concerned that continued delay in funding the project will attract additional costs due to standing time and changes in material costs.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the negotiations with the Contractor Build Trust Construction Limited for the construction of Milenge Trades Training Institute were finalized and a new contract totalling K31,863,322.90 signed.
The status quo on the project, however, remained the same due to the non-availability of funds.

As submitted in the previous report, the Government had maintained the policy of consolidating the fiscal position of the Treasury by prioritising the completion of projects above 80 per cent.

The Milenge Project was outside the scope of projects that were at 80 per cent and above.

86 Therefore, once the current stock of projects was completed, and funds secured, the Ministry would commence the project.
The Committee would be updated on the progress.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee notes with concern the failure by the Executive to actualise the construction of Milenge Trades Institute seven years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House due to financial constraints.
The Committee bemoans the tendency by the Executive to make assurances when financial backing is not certain and urges the Executive to find alternative means to ensure that the project is actualised without further delay.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

16/19 Frozen Staff Positions On 5th March, 2019, the Minister of General Education made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, as at 31st September, 2018, the Ministry had frozen 6,631 positions.
Mr Speaker, the main reason for the freezing of the positions was delays in the filling of vacant positions and lengthy processing points of human resource matters.

With enhanced decentralisation, the Ministry hopes that there will be timely decision-making and reduced number of processing points.
Mr Speaker, the impact of the freezing of the positions was: (a) the quality of education was compromised, as schools were manned by fewer teachers than provided for on the establishment; (b) some teachers became fatigued and demotivated; and (c) there is a high teacher-pupil ratio, which has a negative impact on both the learning and the teaching outcomes.
Mr Speaker, in 2018, the Ministry was given Treasury authority to unfreeze 1,035 promotional positions, as the unfreezing of positions is dependent on the availability of funds.

The Ministry will continue to consult and collaborate with the Ministry of Finance on the disbursement of funds for unfreezing positions.” The previous Committee had noted the submission with concern as it reflected some lapses in the line of duty resulting into positions being frozen due to time lapse.
In this regard, the Committee was of the view that the procedure should be tied to the time in which the process had to be undertaken, so as to avoid positions being frozen.

Further, the Committee wished to be availed with information as to how many positions had been unfrozen following the Treasury authority to unfreeze 1,035 promotional positions.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the Ministry of General Education had Treasury authority granted to reactivate 1,834 promotional positions in 2018.

The Ministry in consultation and collaboration with Teaching Service Commission had set up Human Resource Management Committees at the district level mandated to resolve human-related issues.
The Committee was informed that the mandate of the Human Resource 87 Management Committees includes but not limited to teacher replacement and promotion.

The Committee was further informed that the decentralization of the human resource functions would reduce the time taken to process cases of this nature and avoid positions being frozen.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the progress made in the unfreezing of frozen promotional position urges the Executive to ensure that the remaining frozen positions were unfrozen without further delay so that the deserving officers are promoted as a way of motivating them.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
19/18 Kaniki Primary School in Chifubu, Ndola/Local Tour On 23rd February, 2018, the Minister of General Education made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Ministry has upgraded Kaniki Primary School to a secondary school in Chifubu Parliamentary Constituency.

The Ministry will work with the Provincial Education Office (PEO), the Parents and the Teachers’ Association (PTA) to construct additional classroom blocks at Kaniki Primary School.
Mr Speaker, the Government will consider deploying more teachers at the school in 2018 once Treasury Authority to undertake new recruitment of teachers is granted by the Ministry of Finance.

In noting the submission, the previous Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the construction of 1x3 classroom block at Kaniki Primary School in Chifubu area of Ndola was five course above the slab and works were progressing well though at snail’ space.

The slow progress was attributed to the Ministry’s limited fiscal space in the period under review.

However, the Executive had plans to engage Ministry of Finance for additional funding.
To consolidate the submission made by the Ministry during its long meetings, the Committee undertook an on the spot check of the construction of a 1 x 3 classroom block at Kaniki Primary School in April, 2022.

During the tour, the Committee learnt that the construction of the 1 x 3 classroom block at Kaniki Primary School which commenced in 2017, under the supervision of the District Buildings Officer was a PTA initiative so as to cater for the increasing numbers of pupils in the area.
The Committee further learnt that building materials worth K100,000.00 were bought through the Ndola City Council and have since been delivered to the school.

Among the building materials which were bought were as tabulated below.

No.
Description 1 Aggregated Stones Quantity Received 85 Tonnes Quantity Used 55 Tonnes Quantity Remaining 30 Tonnes 88 Quarry Dust 6”Concrete Blocks Cement Roofing Sheets Conforce 86 6”Brick Force Wire Y12 Deformed Bars 50 Tonnes 8,000 200 x 50Kg Bags 55 x 5 metres 4 Rolls 40 Rolls 42 x 6 metres 50 Tonnes 4,500 176 x 50 Kg Nil 3 Rolls 15 Rolls Nil Nil 3,500 24 x 50Kg 55 x 5 metres 1 Roll 25 Rolls 42 x 6 metres Considering that the Government introduced the free education policy, no user fees were collected from the pupils or contributions from the parents to facilitate the completion of the school, therefore, the Committee heard that necessary applications were made for the school to be considered for funding under CDF.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee expresses disappointment at the slow pace at which the Government was helping in ensuring that the project is completed.

In this regard, the Committee recommends that the Government urgently mobilizes funds to enable the completion of the classroom block which currently stands at lintel level.

The Committee further, urges the Executive to ensure that funding is prioritised to this project so as not to continuously disadvantage the learners.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

26/18 Kasaba Day Secondary School On 6th March, 2018, the Minister of General Education made the following assurance: Madam Speaker, yes, the Government plans to transform Kasaba Day Secondary School in Chifunabuli Parliamentary Constituency into a boarding school due to its ideal location and distance from feeder schools.
Madam Speaker, the provision of boarding facilities at the school will only be done once the Government mobilises funds for the construction of the required infrastructure.

For now, the Government is concentrating on completing on-going projects, which includes the school in question.

Madam Speaker, the Ministry will deploy an accounts assistant and a typist at the school once the province receives officers under this cadre of staff.
The previous Committee in noting the progress made, had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Executive in its update informed the Committee that it had adopted a phased approach mode of completion and had identified and selected strategic infrastructure to work on, so as to facilitate the partial opening of the Kasaba Day Secondary School.

The school had been roofed, plastered, electrical works, flooring, and ceiling completed while glazing was at 50 per cent.
The slow progress was attributed to the Ministry’s limited fiscal space.

The school was scheduled to be operationalised once the selected infrastructure was completed.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations 89 The Committee in noting the progress made, urges the Executive to ensure that the disbursement of funds is consistent so as to facilitate the completion of the project, as continued delay will result in additional cost due to increase in building materials and standing time charges.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

30/18 Teacher Transfers from Kaputa On 13th March, 2018, the Minister of General Education made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, forty-one in 2016 and thirty-nine in 2017 teachers were transferred, which gives us a total of eighty teachers.

Sir, all the eighty teachers transferred in 2016 and 2017 are still on the payroll for Kaputa District.
Mr Speaker, the Ministry deployed twenty-six teachers during the 2017 recruitment programme and during the 2018 recruitment exercise, it will consider deploying more teachers to Kaputa.

In noting the submission in the previous Session, the Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the deployment of more teachers to Kaputa District.
Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the Ministry of Education had deployed thirty-five teachers to Kaputa District during the just ended 2021 net teacher recruitment exercise.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with pleasure the progress made on the deployment of teachers in Kaputa District and urges the Executive to ensure that the remaining nineteen teachers are deployed to the district without further delay.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

31/18 Computers for Gwembe Schools On 13th March, 2018, the Minister of General Education made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, since the introduction of the teaching of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the education system, the Government has in a phased approach been supplying computers to schools, especially in the primary sub-sector.

It desires to ensure that all the children have access to computers.
However, in the face of limited resources, the rollout has been phased.

For 2018 budget, the Ministry plans to procure computers that will be supplied to twenty-four schools in each province.

Gwembe District will be one of the beneficiaries of these computers.
In noting the submission, the previous Committee had observed with concern the failure by the Executive to provide computers to schools in Gwembe District despite it having introduced the teaching of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the education system.

The Committee was of the view that the Executive should ensure that computers were procured for schools in Gwembe District, so as not to continuously disadvantage the learners.
The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response 90 In its update to the Committee, the Executive submitted that 225 computers had so far been distributed in Gwembe District and more than forty-five schools had benefited.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the progress made urges the Executive to ensure that computers are distributed to the remaining schools.
The Committee is further of the view that details with regards how many schools are remaining should be availed to the Committee and resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

05/15 Construction of Teachers’ Houses in Chasefu Constituency On Thursday, 29th October, 2015, the Deputy Minister of General Education made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, twenty-eight staff houses are currently being constructed in Chasefu Constituency at Chasefu Boarding Secondary School, which is under construction.
Sir, the estimated cost of building the houses is K8.

4 million.

Mr Speaker, as already stated in (a), Chasefu Boarding Secondary School will benefit from the construction of the staff houses.

The previous Committee, in noting the submission had urged the Executive to ensure that recommendations and observations made by the Committee are taken seriously and implemented, as failure to do so would render the oversight role of Parliament ineffective.
The Committee, further urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured to construct the twenty-eight staff houses without further delay.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that twenty-seven teacher houses at Chasefu Boarding Secondary School were roofed, plastered, electrical and plumbing first fix were being worked on.
The slow progress experienced was due to the Ministry’s limited fiscal space.

However, the Ministry would continue to engage the Ministry of Finance for additional funding.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission expresses concern that limited fiscal space has continuously been the reason why construction of teachers’ houses in Chasefu Constituency has not been fully actualised seven years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House.
The Committee is therefore, of the view that the Executive should find a lasting solution of ensuring that assurances made on the floor of the House were actualised within the promised timeframe.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
07/16 Chasefu Boarding Secondary School On 12th April, 2016, the Deputy Minister of General Education made the following assurance: 91 in Chasefu Mr Speaker, the construction of Chasefu Boarding Secondary School Parliamentary Constituency is expected to be completed in the last quarter of 2016.

The delay in completing the project is due to insufficient budgetary allocation to on-going project implementation.
Mr Speaker, the school is expected to open in January, 2017, after completion of the works in the fourth quarter of 2016.

In noting the submission the previous Committee had observed with concern that the Executive had failed to complete the construction of Chasefu Boarding School as was promised on the floor of the House citing non-availability of funds for over four years, a situation the Committee finds un-acceptable.
The Committee therefore, had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured and the project implemented accordingly.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee indicated that it had adopted a phased approach mode of completion to facilitate the partial opening of the school.
The construction of Chasefu Boarding Secondary School, which was at 35 per cent completion, had most strategically identified buildings roofed, plastered, electrical first fix done while a few buildings had spider trusses fixed.

The slow progress attained was due to erratic funding.

However, the Ministry would continue to engage the Ministry of Finance for additional funding.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee bemoans the slow pace in which assurances are being implemented due to limited fiscal space and urges the Executive to come up with measures to ensure that assurances made on the floor of the House are implemented within the promised timeframe.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
21/16 Classroom Blocks for Schools in Sikongo Constituency On 17th February, 2016, the Deputy Minister of General Education made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the mentioned schools are at varying levels of construction.

The biggest problem has been limited resources.

In terms of completing the projects, the officers in Sikongo are trying to secure funding from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
The Ministry of General Education is also committed to including some of the schools in its 2016 Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP).

Sir, the construction of the 1x2 classroom block at Simbuu Primary School is expected to commence in 2016.

In noting the submission, the previous Committee had expressed dismay at the failure by the Executive to secure funds for a project which was expected to commence four years ago.
In this regard, the Committee had implored the Executive to commit and implement the projects assured on the floor of the House as promised.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

92 Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the status quo at Simbuu Primary School had remained the same due to limited fiscal space.

However, the construction of one staff house and six VIP toilets were completed in the period under review.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee expresses disappointment over the failure by the Executive to commence construction of a 1 x 2 classroom block at Simbuu Primary School during the period under review.

In this regard, the Committee urges the Executive to ensure that funds are secured for the project to be implemented.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
31/16 Ncheka Primary School in Malambo On 23rd February, 2016, the Deputy Minister of General Education made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the blown off roof at Ncheka Primary School will be rehabilitated this year because it has been provided for in the 2016 Annual Work Plan.

The works will be undertaken as soon as the funds are released.
The previous Committee had found the submission by the Executive unacceptable as it had taken over four years to rehabilitate the blown off roof which was considered an emergency.

The Committee had urged the Executive to urgently secure funds for the rehabilitation of the blown off roof as the learners had been disadvantaged for a long time.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive, in its update to the Committee, submitted that the status quo on the rehabilitation of Ncheka Primary School in Malambo had remained the same.

This was due to budgetary constraints the Ministry was going through and further, the newly introduced Government policy to finish projects that were at 80 per cent complete and above.

However, the Ministry would continue to engage the Ministry of Finance for additional funding.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission finds the response by the Executive unacceptable as the issue of a blown off roof should have been treated as an emergency, but six years down the line, the Executive has failed to rehabilitate the blown off roof at Ncheka Primary School.

The Committee urges the Executive to ensure that the roof at Ncheka Primary School is rehabilitated without further delay, so as not continuously disadvantage the learners.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

13/15 Laboratories at Secondary Schools in Chasefu On 23rd September, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education made the following assurance: 93 Mr Speaker, the Ministry, through the National Science Centre, has approved the supply of mobile science laboratories to Lusuntha and Emusa Day Secondary Schools while funds are being sourced for the construction of permanent laboratories.
Hoya Day Secondary School might be considered in 2016.

In noting the submission the previous Committee had expressed concern that the Executive does not take seriously assurances made on the floor of the House, as evidenced by its repeated failure to fund the projects, hence diminishing the oversight role of Parliament.

The Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that the laboratories were constructed so as not to disadvantage the learners.
The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that through the National Science Centre, five mobile science laboratories were supplied each to Lusuntha and Emusa Day Secondary schools as part of the Sector Wide Approach Programme (SWAP) through the Provincial Education Office, Eastern Province so as not to disadvantage the learners in these schools in Chasefu in the teaching and learning of Science.
The Ministry had not yet secured funds for the construction of permanent laboratories at Lusuntha and Emusa Day Secondary schools and, therefore, the permanent laboratories had not been constructed as at April, 2021.

However, the Ministry through the Zambia Education Project Implementation Unit remained committed to securing funds to actualize the construction project.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in appreciating the progress made on the supply of mobile science laboratories at Lusuntha and Emusa Day Secondary School urges the Executive to ensure that funds are secured for the construction of permanent laboratories at Lusuntha, Emusa Day Secondary School and Hoya Day School in Chasefu Constituency.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
30/14 Construction of Nakonde Secondary School On 7th October, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the construction of Nakonde Secondary School is planned to be completed in 2015.

The previous Committee in noting the progress made, had urged the Executive to ensure that the school was partially opened in the first quarter of 2021, and that funds were secured to complete the project.
The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the completion of the school.

Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that it had adopted a partial opening approach of the construction of Nakonde Day Secondary School.

The works at the school were progressing well using the phased approach of completing the strategic 94 buildings.
The identified and selected infrastructure included two 1 x 3 classroom blocks, one toilet block, four teachers’ houses and water/sewer systems.

Further, the Committee was informed that so far, the two 1 x 3 classroom blocks had been completed and was in use while the toilet block plumbing, carpentry and painting works were in progress.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in appreciating the progress made urges the Executive to ensure that the remaining works are completed within the scheduled timeframe.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
21 /17 Mufumbwe Day Secondary School Laboratory/Local Tour On 3rd March, 2017, the Minister of General Education made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Government has plans to refurbish the laboratory at Mufumbwe Day Secondary School in Mufumbwe District to replace the one which was gutted by fire three years ago.

Sir, plans to carry out the refurbishment are expected to be implemented in 2017.
The previous Committee had urged the Executive to urgently secure funds to refurbish the laboratory.

The Committee was seriously concerned that the continued lack of an operational laboratory had greatly disadvantaged the learners, who were required to use the laboratory for their lessons.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the refurbishment of the laboratory at Mufumbwe Day Secondary School had remained the same due to budgetary constraints.

However, the Ministry through the National Science Centre was providing mobile labs as a short-term measure of mitigating the absence of the permanent laboratory.
To consolidate the Committees findings during the long meeting, the Committee undertook an on the spot check of the refurbishment of the laboratory at Mufumbwe Day Secondary School.

The Committee during its tours established that the pass rate in science subjects for both grade 9 and 12 had been dropping since 2012.
The Committee was also informed that pupils were being subjected to dry laboratory learning other than practical hence the reduction in the pass rate of 12 and 36 per cent at grade 9 and 12 level respectively.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations During the tour, the Committee learnt with disappointment that pupils at Mufumbwe Day Secondary School were since 2012 been learning science using dry laboratory and that the school has not been provided with a mobile laboratory as was submitted.
The Committee expresses dismay at the failure by the Executive to refurbish the laboratory eight years after the laboratory was gutted by fire.

The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to ensure that funds are secured to facilitate the refurbishment of the laboratory so as not to continually disadvantage the learners.
Further, the Committee urges the Executive to ensure that in the meantime as the Executive is still sourcing funds a mobile laboratory be 95 provided as a short term measure of mitigating the absence of the permanent laboratory.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
28/17 Deployment of Teachers to Nangoma Constituency On 16th March, 2017, the Minister of General Education made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Government deployed thirty-eight teachers to Nangoma Parliamentary Constituency and hopes to send twenty more during the 2017 recruitment exercise.

The previous Committee had found the submission by the Executive unacceptable as it had taken three years to fulfil the assurance, which had negative effects on the performance of the school children.
The Committee, therefore, had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were set aside to enable the deployment of teachers to Nangoma Parliamentary Constituency, and resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Executive, in its update to the Committee, submitted that the Ministry had deployed ten teachers in Mumbwa District of which five where deployed to Nangoma Constituency.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee expresses concern that it has taken the Executive over five years to deploy twenty more teachers’ to Nangoma Constituency and urges it to ensure that the remaining fifteen teachers are deployed to Nangoma Constituency as was promised on the floor of the House without delay.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
17/17 Electrification of Chama South Schools On 2nd March, 2017, the Minister of General Education made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, Chikwa and Chitheba Day Secondary Schools will be electrified or provided with generators after they are fully constructed.

In the meantime, there are plans to provide them with solar panels with the capacity to meet their electricity demands.

Mr Speaker, the schools will be electrified by the end of 2017.
In noting the submission, the previous Committee had resolved to close the matter on the electrification of Chikwa Day Secondary School and resolved to await a progress report on the electrification of Chitheba Day Secondary School.

Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that apparently, Chikwa and Chitheba Secondary schools were not connected to the national grid but had different alternative sources of power.
The Committee was informed that Chikwa Secondary school had solar panels installed by Rural Electrification Authority (REA) in 2017, and currently the solar panels were not operational because the four solar panel batteries were not working, while at Chitheba Day Secondary school, a 3000w generator was being used as their source of power.

96 In view of the above, the Committee was informed that the Ministry was considering permanent options to sources of power for the two secondary schools.
Having ZESCO electricity power lines (11Kv) passing through the two secondary schools, the Ministry was considering taking advantage of this reliable source of power as it would be cheaper to connect to the main power grid as the power line was about 1.5Km from Chikwa Day Secondary school, while at Chitheba school, the lines passed through the school premises.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure the two schools are connected to the national grid without further delay.

The Committee resolves to await a comprehensive progress report on the electrification of the two Secondary Schools.
11/17 Construction of FTJ Chiluba University On 24th February, 2017, the Minister of Higher Education made the following assurance: Madam Speaker, my Ministry is currently discussing the commencement of the project with the contractor.

We want to agree on certain mechanisms before the commencement, which is envisaged to be in the second quarter of 2017.
The previous Committee in noting the submission had expressed concern that little progress was recorded with regard to the construction of FTJ University, and had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Executive, in its update to the Committee, indicated that the status quo at FTJ University had marginally improved with the Mansa Campus project at 10 per cent, while the Kasama Campus was at 5 per cent.
The slow pace of construction works was due to the non-release of funds by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) who were the financiers of the project which had gravely affected its speedy implementation.

The Committee would be updated on the progress.


Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission wishes to be availed with more information as to why the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) who are the financiers of the project had stopped releasing funds for the project.

Further, the Committee is of the view that if things don’t work out with ICBC, alternative means be found to facilitate the full implementation of the project.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

14/15 Mumbwa Trades Training Institute On Friday, 6th March, 2015, the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the construction of Mumbwa Trades Training Institute will commence in 2015.
97 In noting the submission in the previous Committee had expressed concern that the construction of Mumbwa Trades Training Institute had remained at 65 per cent for over two years.

It had urged the Executive to ensure that the project was completed by 2021 as submitted.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive, in its update to the Committee, submitted that the construction of Mumbwa Trades Training Institute project still stood at 65 per cent completion.

In line with the Government fiscal consolidation efforts, the Ministry had prioritised completing projects that were 80 per cent and above.

In this regard, Lundazi, Mporokoso and Sesheke Trades had been prioritised for completion in 2021.
Mumbwa Trades would be considered for completion once this stock of projects was operationalised.

The Committee would be updated on the progress.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission bemoans the failure by the Executive to complete the remaining works at the Mumbwa Trades Training Institute three years after the works stalled.
The Committee urges the Executive to ensure that once a project is started, disbursement of funds should be consistent to avoid addition cost due to standing charges and rehabilitation as a result of vandalism and cracking due to long period of non occupancy.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
40/14 Construction of King Lewanika University On 2nd December, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the construction of King Lewanika University in the Western Province will commence in January, 2015.

The contractor, by the name of Datong Construction Limited, has been identified.

The project is estimated to cost K160 million.

The project will be constructed within a period of three years.
The previous Committee had expressed serious disappointment at the failure by the Executive to actualise the project seven years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House.

It urged the Executive to ensure that assurances were undertaken as presented.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the construction of King Lewanika University still stood at 10 per cent completion.
As submitted in the previous report, the Ministry could not proceed with the implementation of the project due to the fiscal consolidation initiatives that had been put in place by the Ministry of Finance which focused on completing projects which were above 80 per cent.

Once this current stock of projects was completed and funds made available, works at King Lewanika University would commence and the Committee would be updated on the progress.
98 Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee expresses disappointment at the failure by the Executive to actualise the assurance seven years after it was made on the floor of the House and urges it to urgently secure funds to facilitate the commencement of works at King Lewanika University site.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
34/13 Construction of Chalimbana, Mukuba and Kwame Nkrumah Universities/Local Tour On Friday, 22nd February, 2013, the Vice-President assured the House as follows: Mr Speaker, according to the latest information I have, and it is very hot-off-the-press, I think, this morning, in fact, the progress in the construction of Chalimbana, Mukuba and Nkrumah Universities is good.

They will open as universities this year, 2013.


The previous Committee had noted the submission with concern considering the inordinately lengthy period of time it had taken the Executive to complete the projects, the Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured to facilitate the completion of the three universities as the assurance had been outstanding for over seven years.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response In its update to the Committee, the Executive submitted as follows: Mukuba and Kwame Nkrumah Universities a.

The infrastructure projects at the three universities were being developed in phases and critical phases of the projects (such as Phase I) at Mukuba and Kwame Nkrumah Universities had been completed and these had made the two institutions operate as full- fledged universities.
In this regard, the institutions were operationalised and commissioned as Universities by His Excellency the former President of the Republic of Zambia, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu in 2019.

Phase II of the projects at the two Universities (Mukuba and Kwame Nkrumah Universities) had progressed to 50 and 40 per cent completion respectively.

The slow progress on the projects was due to Government’s decision to consolidate its fiscal position and further prioritise completion of projects that were 80 per cent.
The Committee was informed that it would be updated on the progress of Phase II once Government completed the current stock of projects that were above 80 per cent and moved to the second phase.

During the local tours, the Committee visited the Mukuba University to have an on the spot check on the phase II construction project.

The Committee was informed that the contract sum for phase II was K58,280,877.00 and as of March, 2019 K26,149,712.85 was certified and the project stood at 40 per cent complete.
The Committee further learnt that the construction of the laboratory and classroom blocks was at 25 per cent and the contractor had temporarily demobilised.

The ten out of fifteen staff houses earmarked for construction under phase II were at roof level had the reinforcement bars removed by vandals.

The Committee also learnt that two hostels to 99 accommodate 450 students were yet to be constructed to alleviate the accommodation challenge which was being experienced at the school.
Chalimbana University b.

With regard to Chalimbana University, the Committee was informed that Phase II of the project still stood at 30 per cent completion and falls outside the current stock of projects above 80 per cent that were earmarked for completion.

Once this stock of projects was completed, and funds made available, the Phase I of the construction works at Chalimbana University would be completed and the Committee would be updated on the progress.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with concern the slow pace in which the construction of Mukuba University the first Stem University is going.

The Committee also observed with concern the limited science laboratories considering that it was a stem school.

In view of the above, the Committee recommends that the Executive should without delay source funds to facilitate the completion of both phases I and II construction works.
Further, the Committee urges the Government to take keen interest considering that most programmes at the school were in natural science and desperate needs the laboratories for effective learning.
The Committee expresses concern at the limited number of students who can be accommodated at the school out of 1,500 students enrolled at the school only 800 are accommodated while the others have to find alternative boarding houses in the neighbouring compounds which is not safe for the students, especially that the area is isolated.
In addition, the Committee notes the submission from Ministry of Education with concern taking into consideration the inordinate time it has taken the Executive to fully implement the project.

It is the view of the Committee that the Executive changes the way it attends to assurances made on the floor of the House and further registers its disappointment at the failure by the Executive to fully implement this project nine years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House.
The Committee also urges the Executive to prioritise the construction of the three universities and resolves to await a comprehensive progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE 44/18 Cage Fish Farming on Lakes Mweru, Kariba, Tanganyika and Kafue River and Nalolo District in Western Province On 29th September, 2017, the Minister of Finance via his budget address made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, with regard to fisheries, in 2018, the Government will promote cage fish farming on Lakes Mweru, Kariba, Tanganyika and Bangweulu and Kafue River at Kasaka and in the water bodies in the Western Province.
This is in an effort to improve productivity and production to attain self-reliance.

100 In noting the progress made, the previous Committee had resolved to await a comprehensive progress report on the installation of cages on Lakes Mweru, Kariba, Tanganyika and Kafue River at Kasaka and in the water bodies in the Western Province.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that through the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock procured 100 cages in an effort to promote cage fish farming in Lake Mweru, Lake Bangweulu and along the Zambezi Rivers Lagoons.
The cages were distributed as follows: District Nalolo Senanga Nchelenge Samfya Total Number of cages 26 26 24 24 100 The status of cage installation was as follows: Ø Under Samfya District, the twenty-four fish cages were installed in 2020 and were stocked in July and October of 2020.

The first batch of three cages was harvested in March, 2021.

Ø Western Province had two districts namely: Nalolo and Senanga where cages had been installed.
All the twenty-six cages in Senanga had since been installed and awaiting stocking.

Ø In Nalolo District thirteen cages had been installed in Marana site and thirteen were being installed in Kaungalueti site, while in Nchelenge District they were yet to be installed as they were waiting for the contractor to complete installation in Nalolo District.

The four cages for Lake Tanganyika had arrived in the country and were yet to be delivered to Mpulungu for installation.
Ø A total of 399 fish cages had been installed and stocked on Lake Kariba (172 in Sinazongwe, 211 in Chipepo and 20 fish cages in Siavonga).

Ø Kasaka Fisheries Training Institute was yet to install the three cages as the fabrication of the cages had been mainstreamed in the curriculum of the institution.

This meant that the students would fabricate, install and use them as training facilities.
In addition, the Committee was informed that Agriculture and General Livestock development was a major focus of the Economic Recovery Plan (ERP).

The Ministry of Finance would work very closely with the Ministry of Livestock in timely implementation of the Livestock programmes.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations 101 The Committee in noting the progress made urges the Executive to ensure that the twenty- six cages installed in Senanga district are stocked and install cages in Nchelenge district immediately Nalolo district is completed.
The Committee also urges the Executive to ensure that the installation of the four cages in Mpulungu is expeditiously done and that the project is fully implemented without further delay considering that it has been outstanding for over five years now.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
45/18 Zambia Aquaculture Enterprise Development Project On 29th September, 2017, the Minister of Finance via his budget address made the following assurance on the floor of the House: Mr Speaker, in 2018, the Government will continue with the implementation of the US$50 million Zambia Aquaculture Enterprise Development Project, which is aimed, among other outcomes, at building institutional capacity for fish, fingerling and feed production.
Further, it will provide support to the private sector in developing the aquaculture value chain, including in the establishment of fish feed plants, hatcheries, and freezing and processing facilities.

Further, the Government is also undertaking a comprehensive livestock and aquaculture census, which will be completed in 2018.

The results of the census will guide the formulation of policies to facilitate growth and development.
In noting the submission, the previous Committee was pleased that the Ministry was developing the National Livestock Development Policy and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, using the results from the livestock and aquaculture census.

In this regard, the Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the full formulation and implementation of the policies to facilitate growth and development of this sector.
Executive’s Response The Executive, in its update to the Committee, submitted that the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock under the Zambia Aquaculture Enterprise Development Project was facilitating the development of the following policies: Fisheries Policy The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock under the Zambia Aquaculture Enterprise Development Project was facilitating the development of the Aquaculture and Fisheries Policy.
The policy was aimed at guiding the growth of the fisheries subsector in a sustainable manner.

The draft policy had been enveloped and at the stage of further consultations with the stakeholders.

The consultation process was delayed due to COVID 19 measures that were put by the Ministry of Health.

Aquatic Animal Health Strategy The Aquatic Animal Health Strategy would guide the disease management under the aquaculture subsector.
In view of the support the Executive was providing to the aquaculture value chain, fish production was expected to increase and with increased production, disease incidences were expected to increase and the strategy would guide how the country would manage the aquaculture subsector.

The Aquatic Animal Health Strategy developed by the Ministry and the stakeholder’s validation was undertaken.

The strategy 102 was at the stage of incorporating comments by the stakeholders.
The strategy would be launched in the second quarter of 2021.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that the consultation process with stakeholders is expedited to facilitate the development of the Aquaculture and Fisheries Policy and the incorporating comments by the stakeholders with regards the launch of the Aquatic Animal Health Strategy expedited.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
47/18 Geological Mapping Programme On 29th September, 2017, the Minister of Finance through his budget address made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, to enhance information provision and planning, the Government will, in 2018, continue with the geological mapping programme for the remaining 40 per cent of the country.

In addition, to promote inclusiveness in the sector, the Government will continue to support artisanal and small-scale miners through the Development Mineral Capacity Building Programme.
Further, promotion of downstream value chains will be emphasised.

The previous Committee in noting the submission had observed with concern the slow pace at which the mapping programme was being undertaken and had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were consistently disbursed so as to expeditiously complete the mapping programme.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the funding of the geological mapping program would be included in the budget.

Committee’s Observation and Recommendation The Committee observes with disappointment that the funding of the geological mapping programme was to be included in the budget four years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House.
The Committee, therefore, urges the Executive to urgently secure funds for the mapping programme and resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

48/18 Energy Regulation and Electricity Bill On 29th September, 2017, the Minister of Finance in his budget address made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, stable and reliable energy supply is critical to the welfare of our people and productivity of business.
Priority in the electricity sub-sector will, therefore, be on increasing the energy mix through the promotion of off-grid electricity generation and alternative energy sources.

In this regard, the Government will continue with on-going reforms in the sector to boost private sector participation.

Sir, in 2018, the Government will present the Energy Regulation and Electricity Bills to this august House for enactment.
The Energy Regulation Bill will allow for enhanced supervision and regulation of the energy sector while the Electricity Bill will, among other outcomes, allow for participation of other players in the industry.

To ensure cost reflectivity in tariffs and encourage investment in the sector, the 103 Government will, in 2018, finalise the cost of service study.

The results will provide the basis for future adjustments to electricity tariffs.
The previous Committee in noting the submission had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that both the Electricity Act No.

11 of 2019 and the Energy Regulation Act No.

12 of 2019 were enacted.

Further, the Committee was informed that once the Cost of Service Study was completed, the Committee would be updated.
Committee’s Observation and Recommendations The Committee in appreciating the progress made, urges the Executive to ensure that the Cost of Service Study is expeditiously completed so that the matter be closed.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the completion of the Cost of Service Study.
50/18 Dam Construction at Kafue Gorge Lower Project and Maamba Thermal Plant On 29th September, 2017, the Minister of Finance in his budget address made the following assurance: Sir, I am glad to inform this House that the dam construction of the 750 MW Kafue Gorge Lower Project is progressing well.

Further, the work on the second phase of the 300 MW Maamba Thermal Plant is expected to commence in 2018.

In addition, the 250 MW Kalungwishi Hydro Power Project will commence in 2018.
The previous Committee, in noting the progress made had urged the Executive to ensure that the issues being handled by the Solicitor-General with regard the Kalungwishi Power Project’s application for water rights and the preparation of terms of reference (ToRs) and scoping reports for the project land and transmission way leave were finalised expeditiously.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the construction of the three dams.
Executive’s Response The Executive, in its update to the Committee, submitted as follows: Kafue Gorge Lower Project Commissioning of the first 150 MW (Mega Watt) generator unit was undertaken mid-July 2021 and the official commissioning ceremony graced by the Head of State was held on 23rd July, 2021.

The second 150 MW generator unit was scheduled for commissioning between August and September, 2021.

The rest of the generator units were scheduled for commissioning as follows: Generator no.
3 – by 31st October 2021 Generator no.

4 – by 31st December 2021; and i. ii.

iii.

Generator no.

5 – by 31st March 2022.

104 Kalungwishi Power Project Water Rights ZESCO applied for Water Rights from Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA).

WARMA had processed the application from ZESCO, however, WARMA had not yet issued the permit to ZESCO due to legal court process between WARMA and Luapula Hydropower Corporation Limited.
There was a further application to join the Attorney General to the contempt proceedings pending before Court.

The Court had not yet set a date for hearing and therefore it was unclear when the matter would be disposed off.

Environmental Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Studies Following the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) decision not to proceed to review the Terms of Reference and Scoping Report for the Project, the matter was handed over to the Solicitor General for guidance.
Resolution of the matter was pending disposal of the legal case on the Water Rights for the Project in court.

During the period under review, no new progress was achieved.

Land Acquisition During the period under review, offer letters were issued by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for all the land lots for the Project.
The status of the land acquisition for Kalungwishi project was as shown below: Kalungwishi Land application status S/N District Kaputa 1 Nchelenge 2 Kawambwa 3 4 Mporokoso Land Size Required Application Status 381.294 568.613 66.09Ha 309.76 Offer letter issued Offer letter issued Offer letter issued Offer letter issued ZESCO had continued with the land acquisition process.
During the months of June and July 2021 cadastral survey for all the project land lots needed for preparation of Survey diagrams was completed by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

Preparation of Survey diagrams was in progress.


Issuance of Title Deeds was expected to be achieved within the third quarter of 2021. Review of the Feasibility Study Reports During the period under review, the contract for engagement of a short-term consultant to review and update the Feasibility Study and complete the draft solicitation documents for engagement of a contractor for the Project was signed by both parties.
The signed contract shall become effective in August 2021 after payment of the Advance Payment.

Procurement of a contractor was envisaged to commence in the first quarter of 2022.

300 MW Maamba Phase II The Committee was informed that the developer was still undertaking feasibility assessment for the project.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations 105 The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that remaining works are implemented with the timeframe submitted to the Committee.

The Committee resolves to await a comprehensive report on the matter.
51/18 Implement the Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff Regulatory Framework On 29th September, 2017, the Minister of Finance, through his budget address, made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, in the 2017 budget address, the Government indicated its intention to disengage from direct procurement of finished petroleum products by March 2017, to remove the burden of oil procurement from the Treasury, attain efficiencies and promote private sector participation.
The measure will take effect in the first quarter of 2018.

The previous Committee in noting the submission had urged the Executive to ensure that the stakeholder consultation process was expedited to enable it to disengage from direct procurement of finished petroleum products.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that stakeholder consultation meetings were undertaken.
The Ministry has since developed a cabinet memorandum for private sector financing of petroleum products which was undergoing review and would be submitted to Ministries for comments.

Further, a draft Petroleum Development and Management Bill to actualize the disengagement had been submitted to the Ministry of Justice for drafting.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the progress made urges the Executive to ensure that the remaining processes are expedited so as to facilitate the urgent disengagement of the Executive from direct procurement of finished petroleum products.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
52/18 Expansion and Modernisation of the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) On 29th September, 2017, the Minister of Finance in his budget address to the House made the following assurance: The expansion and modernisation of the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) was expected to be completed in 2019.

Further, the Government has commenced the construction of the Copperbelt International Airport.
In noting the submission the previous Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that works at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport were expedited as the project was two years behind schedule.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the two airports.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the Government of the Republic of Zambia and the Export-Import Bank of China signed a Preferential Buyer Credit 106 Loan Agreement on 4th June, 2014 for the provision of US$306,000,000.00.

However, the Project works could be estimated to be at 90 per cent complete.
The Committee also heard that the delay noted in the completion of the project could be attributed to delayed disbursement by the Export Import Bank of China (EXIM Bank of China).

In this regard, the Government had requested for an extension on the availability period to enable draw downs on the project from 22nd March, 2021 to 22nd March, 2022.

Discussions were ongoing with EXIM Bank of China in the hope to finalise debt service deferment and resumption of disbursement to the project.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with concern that the Expansion and Modernisation of the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA), is three years behind schedule and urges the Executive to expeditiously secure funds to facilitate the completion of the project.

The Committee further urges the Executive to urgently finalise debt service deferment and resumption of disbursement to the project.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
54/18 Decentralisation On 29th September, 2017, the Minister of Finance in his budget address made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, centralisation of power, particularly in respect of resource control and decision making has hampered the attainment of equitable national development.
In order to address that, the Government will, in 2018 ensure that the finances required for the provision of frontline public services and infrastructure projects at provincial and district levels are de- concentrated to the provincial administration In noting the submission the previous Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that fiscal decentralisation was actualised and solutions found to harmonise the relevant pieces of legislation hindering the finalisation of the process.
The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response In its update to the Committee, the Executive submitted that for Fiscal decentralisation to be actualised, it required the various functions to be moved, and then the finances would follow.

From the perspective of the Ministry of Finance a lot of preparatory work for the implementation of fiscal decentralisation had been done.

For instance Sector devolution formula for devolved functions had already been done.
These include among others, Health as well as Livestock and Veterinary Sections.

In addition, a lot of success was made on all the four pillars of intergovernmental fiscal relations which Revenue Assignment, Intergovernmental Transfers, Debt Management and Borrowing in Local Authorities.
Expenditure Assignment, included: Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that all the functions which require to be moved for the fiscal decentralization to be actualized are moved 107 without further delay.

The Committee hence, resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
06/16 Macro Economic Objectives, Policies and Strategies for 2017 On 11th November, 2016, the Minister of Finance through his budget address made the following assurance: Sir, most of the land in Zambia is not on title as only about 200,000 parcels of land are on title.

In order to redress this, the Government will, in 2017, commission a pilot programme in Lusaka.

This programme will commence the process of titling of all land in the province.
This exercise is aimed at the following: (a) giving citizens titled assets for credit extension; (b) enhancing collection of land rates to finance Government activities; (c) establishing an integrated and sustainable land registry on the status of land and its use; (d) protecting vulnerable groups such as women; and (e) resolving challenges among parties involved in disputes.
In noting the progress made, the previous Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that offer letters in all the thirty three demarcation areas were issued and to ensure that Medici Land Governance undertook the demarcation and creation of titles for the rest of the country on a privately financed fee-based contract.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the Executive had signed a programming and support services maintenance contract with the developer on 27th February, 2018.

The main purpose of the contract was to complete the programming of features under the 2012 contract and resolve identified defects in order to improve the performance of the system.

The validity of this contract was dependent on either partly terminating the contract.
The contract was still valid and identified issues aimed at improving ZILMIS were still receiving attention under the same contract.

The Ministry had further upgraded the hardware which runs the ZILMIS system through the procurement of new Servers configured to replicate and provide a fall back mechanism through the installation of the RACK technology on the Servers.

The ZILMIS had been interfaced with ZRA and IFMIS.

The IFMIS interface was achieved through the Government Service Bus.
The Ministry was awaiting the completion of the National Registration system at Ministry of Home Affairs to actualize the interface and reference NRC which a critical identifier used in land applications.

The Ministry was working on interfacing with PACRA to lookup company registration status and shareholder arrangement which was a qualifying criteria for companies to own land.
The Committee was also informed that the SharePoint had also been operationlised and physical documents were being scanned and attached to properties.

This enhances decision 108 making since records could be accessed electronically.

Further, the Ministry was scanning the backlog of files to ensure all records on properties were electronically available.
Further, the Ministry with the support of ZIFLP-Managing Land Rights commenced the Data Cleaning Pilot Project on land records for Eastern and part of Lusaka Provinces.

The purpose of the Data Cleaning Project was to ensure that data integrity was preserved by ensuring that information was complete, consistent and the Data Cleaning Project was scheduled to be completed in three phases namely Scanning, Data Cleaning and Digitization.
The scanning phase had successfully been completed while the data cleaning and digitization phases were in progress The Committee also heard that the National Land Titling was progressing and the Ministry had engaged MEDIC Land Governance to assist in hastening the issuance of titles in identified statutory improvement areas.

To support Systematic Land Titling, ZILMIS had been interfaced with the National Titling System (NTS) which was in use for mass titling of properties.
The Ministry had commissioned the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) system which was being populated with relevant spatial data for referential use in ZILMIS.

The Ministry designed and developed dashboard under the national land titling programme as a standalone tool to support decision making in the Ministry and also enhance the reporting capacity of the ZILMIS.

The dashboard system was undergoing testing for conformity to requirements before it could be deployed.
The Committee was also informed that the Treasury was very keen to see the full implementation of the Land titling programme because it was one of the identified revenue enhancing measures.

The Ministry of Finance would engage the Ministry of Lands to see how the project could be expedited.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the progress made urges the Executive to expedite the full implementation of the Land Titling Programme and ensure that identified issues aimed at improving ZILMIS received prompt attention.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF FISHERIES AND LIVESTOCK 09/19 Chadiza Dip Tanks On 18th June, 2019, the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the construction of a dip tank and a borehole in Kapilimpika in Chadiza District was awarded to Fadem Construction, Transport and Suppliers.

So far, the contractor has completed drilling the borehole and construction of a dip tank is about 85 per cent complete.
The remaining works of the walkways and the roof are scheduled for completion this year.

The construction of a dip tank at Chaphuka in Chadiza District was awarded to Lukomi Enterprise Limited.

The contractor has completed the construction of the tank, walkways and the roof.

The project is about 95 per cent complete and is scheduled to be completed this year (2019).
109 The previous Committee in noting the progress made, had urged the Executive to urgently ensure that funds were sourced so that the borehole at Chaphuka was drilled and the blown off roof at Kapilimpika Dip Tank was repaired and the facilities operationalised.

The Committee had resolved to await a comprehensive progress report on the two facilities.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee on the Chadiza Dip Tanks indicated as outlined below: Chaphuka Dip Tank a) The Chaphuka Dip Tank was complete; however lack of water at the dip tank site was making it difficult to operationalise the facility.

The initial contract did not include the drilling of the borehole.

Once funds were made available, the borehole would be drilled.

Kapilimpika Dip Tank b) The dip tank was complete and the borehole was drilled.
However, the roof of the dip tank was blown off and had not yet been repaired.

Once funds have been mobilised, the roof would be repaired so that the facility could be operationalised.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee notes with disappointment that the status quo at the two sites has remained the same for over two years due to financial constraints.
The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to ensure that funds are sourced to facilitate completion of the remaining works at Chaphuka and the rehabilitation of the blown roof at Kapilimpika site.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF ENERGY 15/19 Electrification of Chief Kabamba’s Palace and Kabamba Secondary School On Wednesday, 13th February, 2019, the Minister of Energy made the following assurances: Madam Speaker, the Government of the Republic of Zambia has plans to construct a mini- hydro plant at Chipota Falls in Serenje.

This will be undertaken with support from China South to South Renewable Energy Technology Transfer project funded by the Danish Government, through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The project’s estimated capacity is 200kW and will target 15,000 people as beneficiaries in the area.

Chief Kabamba’s Palace and Kabamba Secondary School will be beneficiaries.

Madam Speaker, the construction is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2019 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2020.

The total cost of the project is US$1,479,320.87.


The previous Committee in noting the submission had expressed disappointment at the Executive’s failure to actualise the project within the promised timeframe.

The Committee had resolved to await a comprehensive progress report on the construction of a solar mini- grid to electrify Chief Kabamba’s Palace, the school, the clinic and some staff houses.
The Committee had urged the Executive to mobilise funding for the completion of the construction of the mini-hydro project earmarked to benefit 15,000 people in the area.

110 Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that in order to advance with the solar mini grid development, the Ministry engaged Kafue Gorge Regional Training Centre (KGRTC) and Rural Electrification Authority (REA) to co-finance the project and they had ring-fenced $ 60, 000.00 and $ 40, 000.00 respectively.
The Ministry had thus conducted a selective procurement process in conjunction with KGRTC and REA and SmartNet Zambia was selected, a private solar company to supply, construct and commission the 45 kW of the solar system at the cost of $ 99, 899.00.

In view of the above, the status on the solar mini grid project implementation was as follows: i.
Project Implementation Committee formed: Upon securing finances for the project, the Ministry, KGRTC and REA formed a committee to facilitate the implementation of the project.

ii.

Contract for the project implementation developed: The draft contract for the project was submitted to the Ministry of Justice and was cleared for signing.

iii.
iii.

Contract signing date confirmed: Upon successful completion of the technical negotiations with the contractor, the signing date of the contract was confirmed for 4th May 2021.

The construction of the solar mini grid project was expected to be implemented within three months as per contract.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the progress made urges the Executive to ensure that the project is fully implemented without further delay and resolves to await a progress report on the remaining works.

04/17 Electrification of Chiefdoms in Mpika District On 21st February, 2017, the Minister of Energy made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the electrification of Chiundaponde, Kabinga and Kopa are earmarked for 2019 in the Rural Electrification Master Plan (REMP).
Mr Speaker, the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) is currently implementing a project to connect public institutions in Mpepo Chiefdom at a cost of K1 million.

The beneficiaries of that project are Chief Mpepo’s palace, the market area, Mpepo Primary School and Mpepo Secondary School.

The project is scheduled to be completed in 2017.


In noting the submission, the previous Committee had expressed disappointment that the electrification of the remaining chiefdoms in Mpika District was dependent on the availability of funds, contrary to the assurance which was made on the floor of the House four years ago.

The Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured to enable the completion of the project and had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response 111 The Committee was informed that under the 2021 Work Plan and Budget, the Rural Electrification Authority had set aside funds to undertake the electrification of Kopa Chiefdom.

The project involved intensification of electricity supply to Chief Kopa’s New Palace, Kopa Primary School, Kopa Day Secondary School, Kopa Zawa Camp and surrounding areas.
The work involved construction of a total of 4,000m of 33kV of overhead grid lines from an existing 33kV line that goes to Chief Kopa’s old palace.

The project was under procurement and was expected to be completed by the end of the year.

With regards to electrification of Chief Kabinga’s Chiefdom, REA visited the chiefdom in 2020 to re-establish the scope of works and the cost of electrifying the chiefdom.
Electrification of Chief Kabinga’s palace would involve tapping off power from an existing 33kV line at Chalabesa, construction of 52.6km of a 33kV, construction of 16.025km of a 400V line and installation of eight transformers at an estimated cost of ZMW 20,012,348.05.
Following the analysis of the feasibility study results that were obtained in 2018 with regards to the electrification of Chiundaponde Chiefdom in Lavushimanda District, it was discovered that there was no existing line to tap power from and extend the line to the Chiefdom, as it was not technically feasible to tap power from an existing 11kV line at Mununga 66kV/11kV substation.
Therefore, the electrification of the Chiefdom would require the construction of a 66kV/33kV stepdown substation at Lavushimanda Central Business District (CBD), construction of 120km of a 33kV line, construction of 40km of a 400V line and installation of at least eleven transformers.

The estimated cost of implementing the project excluding the cost of constructing the substation was ZMW 55,567,337.32.
The electrification of Chief Kabinga, and Chief Chiundaponde Chiefdoms would be undertaken once funds were available.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that funds are secured to facilitate the completion of the remaining works for the electrification of Chiefdoms in Mpika District.

The Committee further urges the Executive to be consistent in the disbursement of funds once construction of the remaining works commences.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

38/17 Rural Electrification Programme in Kasama On Friday 16th June, 2017, the Minister of Energy made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, based on the Rural Electrification Master Plan, the following areas that fall under Kasama Parliamentary Constituency were identified for electrification: Chisanga; Kachuma; Chilubula; Chishimba; Munkonge; and Lukulu North.
Based on the priority list of the Rural Electrification Master Plan, Chisanga, Lwabwe and Musa were scheduled to be electrified in 2009.

However, Musa and Lwabwe were electrified in 2013, while Chisanga will be electrified when funds are made available.

Further, the remaining areas are scheduled to be electrified in 2018.

However, this is dependent on the availability of funds.
112 The previous Committee had expressed concern at the failure by the Executive to actualise the project in time as was presented on the floor of the House.

The Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that the project was implemented without any further delay.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the electrification of Chisanga, Chiba, Chishipula, Chilubula, Chishimba and Luyeye areas had not been undertaken due to limited availability of funds.

However, the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) was looking at the option of having the areas electrified under the World Bank funded Electricity Services Access Project (ESAP) which focused on increasing electricity access in rural areas.
Therefore, once the project was adopted under the ESAP, households would be expected to pay K250.00 for connection.
Further, as part of the overall Rural Electrification Project in Kasama, ZESCO undertook to implement the electrification of the following institutions funded by the Japan International Corporation (JICA); Ntumpa University site, Ntumpa Secondary School, Ntumpa Primary School, Chilekakwa Mwamba Primary School, Chilekakwa Mwamba Secondary School, Chilekakwa Rural Health Center (RHC), Food Reserve Agency (FRA), Market area, Kasakula Rural Health Centre (RHC), Kasakula Primary and Kasakula Secondary School and Market.
The status of the backbone network scope components to supply the said institutions was as follows: 1. construction of a total of 135km of 33kV Overhead Line had been completed and energised.

2. all the required 33/0.4kV transformers had been installed.

ZESCO awaited the process of customers/end users to complete the wiring of their respective buildings.

3. all the required 0.4kV overhead lines had been completed and energised.
Below was the status of the supply connection to the relevant institutions earmarked for connection under the said JICA project: 1.

Ntumpa University site - builder’s supply had been provided.

2.

Ntumpa Secondary School - connection completed and institution on supply.

3.

Ntumpa Primary School - connection completed and institution on supply.

ZESCO still awaited completion of the internal wiring by the customers before connection could be effected for the following areas: 1.
Chilekakwa Mwamba Primary School 2.

Chilekakwa Mwamba Secondary School 3.

Chilekakwa Rural Health Center (RHC) 4.

Food Reserve Agency (FRA) 5.

Market Area.

6.

Kasakula Rural Health Centre (RHC).

7.

Kasakula Primary School.

113 8.

Kasakula Secondary School and Market.

The implementation of the Electrification for Chief Munkonge area still awaited availability of funds.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that Chisanga, Chiba, Chishipula, Chilubula, Chishimba and Luyeye areas in Kasama are electrified as was promised on the floor of the House five years.

The Committee further urges the Executive to take seriously assurances made on the floor of the House so as to protect the integrity of the House and resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
05/18 Zesco Office for Chitambo District On 26th September, 2017, the Minister of Energy made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to establish a ZESCO Office and a sub-station in Chitambo District, as reflected in the District Development Master Plan for Chitambo.

To that effect, a plot has been allocated for the construction of the office and sub-station, and ZESCO is currently in the process of formalising the acquisition of the plot.
The company has submitted the application to Chitambo District Council and is currently awaiting feedback from the Council.

Sir, the implementation of the project is expected to commence in the middle of next year, once funds are made available through the ZESCO budget for 2018.

In noting the progress made, the previous Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were urgently secured for the construction of the Zesco Office for Chitambo District.
The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that ZESCO had completed and commissioned the new 33/11kV substation in Chitambo on the land which was acquired from forestry department.

In addition, ZESCO had also completed and commissioned the new 33kV overhead line from Pensulo substation in Serenje to the new Chitambo substation.

Hence, Chitambo District was now connected to the National Grid at 33kV.
The Committee was also informed that a new Substation had adequate installed capacity to provide electricity supply to the whole Chitambo district.

The Committee was further informed that ZESCO had also successfully acquired land from Chitambo District Council.

The land would be used for construction of the second 33/11kV substation and building of Chitambo ZESCO office block.
The construction of the said second substation would be effected once electricity demand in Chitambo district grows to an extent where the capacity of the new existing substation was significantly depleted.

The Committee was also informed that the construction of the Chitambo ZESCO office block would commence once funds were made available through the ZESCO budget.
However, the Committee was further informed that ZESCO had in the short term acquired 114 a rented property in Chitambo District to be used as a Customer Service Centre as construction of the Chitambo ZESCO office block was being awaited.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that funds are urgently secured for the construction of the Zesco Office in Chitambo District, considering that the assurance has been outstanding for over four years.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
08/15 Construction of Filling Station in Kalabo On 25th September, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Government of the Republic of Zambia has plans to facilitate the construction of a filling station in Kalabo in 2016.

The Hon.
The Hon.

Member of Parliament would wish to note that, in fact, we have already gone ahead and written to the Permanent Secretary (PS) for Western Province to facilitate the acquisition of a suitable place or land for us to ensure that this facility is put up.

Further, the Government continues to promote public-private partnerships (PPPs) in terms of filling stations in areas such as Kalabo.

Sir, the funds for the works in 2016 have been put aside by the Government.
In noting the submission, the previous Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that all processes that were required to enable the construction of the two filling stations were expedited.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development (MHID) had since been engaged to design and supervise the construction works for the filling station in Kalabo District.
A team of experts from MHID in conjunction with the Ministry of Energy were scheduled to undertake site assessment exercise in the second quarter of 2021.

With regard to the Lukulu filling station, the Committee was informed that land was yet to be obtained/secured.

The Ministry had since engaged the Provincial Administration of Western Province to assist in securing land.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee notes the submission with disappointment considering that it has taken the Executive over seven years to have the Kalabo Filling Station designed and secure land for the construction of Lukulu Filling Station.

The Committee further finds the situation unacceptable and urges the Executive to ensure that funds are urgently secured for the implementation of the project and resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
07/15 Construction of Electricity Power Plants On 25th September, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Development made the following assurance: 115 Mr Speaker, it is with this background that the Ministry is pursuing several programmes and projects to reduce the impact of load shedding.
The following are the programmes that my Ministry will continue implementing in the 2016 financial year: 40 MW Kabompo Gorge Hydro Power Project - This is being developed by the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC).

Preliminary works have already been done.

In noting the submission, the previous Committee had observed with concern that the implementation agreement relating to the portion of land in the national heritage area had not yet been finalised, six years from the time the assurance was made.
The Committee, therefore, had urged the Executive to urgently sort out all the outstanding issues with regard the portion of land in the national heritage area, and to ensure that CEC submits a feasibility study without further delay.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Executive, in its update to the Committee, submitted that the Kabompo Gorge Hydroelectric Project (KGHP) optimization feasibility study had been completed.
The study recommended that the project be developed with an installed capacity of about 18MW under the GET FiT Zambia small hydro programme.

The Committee was further informed that with regard to the Implementation Agreement relating to the portion of land in the national heritage, a second addendum to the Implementation Agreement was being processed.

Furthermore, the agreement for co-management of Land falling within gazetted forest areas was yet to be concluded with the Forestry Department.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that the project is developed with an installed capacity of about 18MW under the GET FiT Zambia small hydro programme as recommended without further delay.

The Committee further urges the Executive to expedite the co-management of the land failing within the gazetted forest areas agreement with the Forestry Department.
The Committee resolves to await a comprehensive progress report on the matter.

MINISTRY OF LANDS AND NATURAL RESOURCES 38/19 Installation of Border Markers/Local Tours On 26th February, 2019, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to install border markers on its boundaries with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and with Angola.

Sir, planning for the exercise will commence in the first quarter of 2019.
Sir, the works will commence in the second quarter of 2019.

Mr Speaker, the border markers to be installed are 1.5m high concrete pyramid pillars and 50 cm concrete cubical pillars.

Sir, the cost of marking the Zambia-DRC Boundary is US$4,049,609”.

116 In noting the submission, the previous Committee had noted the submission with concern, considering that it had taken the Executive over two years following approval by Cabinet to actualise the project.
The Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured and resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the buffer zone was successfully defined on the ground.

A reconnaissance survey was done to check all the areas of interest and necessary International Boundary Pillars and some beacons for Farm 1884 of particular interest to the assignment were visited.
The buffer of 50 metres was marked on the ground and structures affected were all identified and marked with red paint for easy of identification for demolition purposes.

The subdivision AA1 of Farm 1884 was verified and all the beacons were found.

The Committee was also informed of the recommendations that were made as follows: 1.

The Central Government of Zambia had to take up the responsibility of demolishing the illegal structures because the Central Government was immune to court injunctions; 2.
The Surveyor General of Zambia and DRC needed to jointly mark the buffer Zone to prevent future development of infrastructure on the buffer Zone; 3.

There was a car park developed by DRC that has encroached on part of Zambia’s no man’s land which needed to be relocated; 4.

Chililabombwe Town Council to find alternative land for properties that would be affected by the demolition; 5.
Surveyor General to get guidance from Ministry of Justice regarding the legal framework on the management of buffer zones; 6.

All the properties created in front of ZRA i.e.

between no man’s land and ZRA were to be cancelled and land consolidated to form part of ZRA property.

To consolidate the submission by the Ministry of Lands during the Committee’s long meeting, the Committee undertook an on the spot check of the process to install border markers at Kasumbalesa border post.
During the tour, the Committee observed that as was submitted during the long meetings the buffer zone could not be clearly defined as over 200 structures were in the buffer zone.

The Committee was however, taken around and could see the markings on the buildings which had encroached in the buffer zone ear marked for demolition.
The Committee however, observed with dismay that people were given titles to build in the no man’s land and the land just in front of the Zambia Revenue Authority before the no man’s land.

Further, the Committee observed with concern the traffic at the border and the state of the infrastructure.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations 117 The Committee observes with concern the decision by the Executive to give private individuals to build in front of the ZRA offices, leaving ZRA with no place to extend the parking area considering the amount of traffic passing through that border.

Further the Committee expresses disappointment that some individuals were given titles to build inside the 100 acre ZRA land.
In addition, the Committee observes that if a one border post is to be achieved, ZRA is supposed to be next to the border and not the other way round.

In view of the above, the Committee recommends that the Central Government should take it upon itself to bring sanity at the border post.

Further, the Government should without delay find alternative places for those who were given titles in front of the ZRA offices before they start putting up structures.
The Committee also recommends that private individuals who were given titles within the ZRA land should be compensated and relocated to other places.

The Committee urges the Executive to urgently ensure that all the necessary logistics are expeditiously finalised to facilitate the demolition of the structures in the buffer zone and installation of border markers.
The Committee resolves to await a comprehensive progress report on the installation of border markers on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Angola boundaries.

10/14 Installation of the Zambia Integrated Land Management Information System (ZILMIS) On Tuesday, 6th March, 2014, the Minister of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection assured the House as follows: Mr Speaker, in June, 2014, the Ministry will complete the implementation of the ZILMIS.
In noting the submission, the previous Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that the recommendations made in addressing the identified critical gaps in functionality were addressed so as to actualise phase II of the project.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
implementation and Executive’s Response The Executive, in its update to the Committee, submitted that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources completed the installation of ZILMIS at Headquarters and all the then eight Provincial Offices in July, 2014.

The Ministry had further connected and installed ZILMIS in Chinsali the Regional Office for Muchinga Province.
The Ministry had continued to develop features and add-ons such as interfacing with ZRA, PACRA and other stakeholders, banks and other payment solutions through the Government Service Bus (GBS) and enforcing security of data through an agreement with ORACLE who were the proprietors of the database system in use.

ZILMIS had been in use offering land administration services for the past seven years.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission made urges the Executive to ensure that all the ten provincial offices are connected and installed with ZILMIS.

Further, the Committee wishes to be availed with information whether the identified critical gaps in functionality of 118 ZILMIS were addressed so as to actualise phase II of the project.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE 37/19 Judgment for Public Service Retrenched Workers On 15th February, 2019, the Minister of Justice made the following assurances: Mr Speaker, the judgment was delivered on 23rd December, 2011, and the state started liquiditating debt instalments on 1st June, 2016.

Sir, the outstanding balance for plaintiffs whose benefits have already been verified is K44, 677,909.

Sir, the total number of affected former employees in the matter was 1,925.
Benefits for 1,162 retrenched staff have been verified while those for 404 retrenched staff are currently being computed with the aim to conclude the same by the end of the first quarter of 2019.

Mr Speaker, 359 plaintiffs were ineligible for payment as they were either not civil service employees or had been paid under other court matters over similar claims.

Sir, the outstanding balance will be paid as and when funds are available to liquidate the outstanding amounts verified.
The previous Committee had observed with concern that little was done to liquidate the amount owed to the retrenched workers.

The Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that the Public Service Management Division (PSMD) urgently corrects the information for the sixty plaintiffs who had wrong information on their files without further delay.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the Ministry of Justice through the compensation Fund Committee had continued dismantling the judgment debt in instalments.

From the balance of K94,640,278.96 which was outstanding as at November, 2020, a total of K16,871,629.40 had been paid leaving an outstanding balance of K77,768,649.56.
The Committee was also informed that the Executive had been making efforts to liquidate the entire Judgement Debt, in liaison with the Treasury.

In an effort to cushion the suffering of the retirees, the Executive had continued to liquidate the said debt in small portions on a quarterly basis depending on the budget allocation for each year while a permanent solution was being sought.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that a permanent solution is found to liquidate the outstanding balance of K77,768,649.56 owed to the retrenches without further delay.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
119 27/14 Kaputa Local Courts Staff Establishment On Wednesday, 2nd October, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Justice made the following assurance: “Mr Speaker, eleven positions were vacant as of May, 2014.

The Judiciary will consider filling them once the Ministry of Finance grants Treasury Authority for recruitment in the 2015 Financial Year.
Please, note that Nsumbu Local Court is non-operational as the court building collapsed.” The previous Committee in noting the progress made had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured to enable the recruitment for the five remaining positions.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that Nsumbu Local Court was operationalised with skeleton number of staff following Treasury Authority which was granted to the Judiciary in 2018.

Further the Executive was desirous to ensure that funds were made available to ensure the recruitment for the five remaining positions to enhance court operation.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee expresses concern that during the period under review the Executive has literally done nothing to ensure that the remaining positions were filled.

The Committee urges the Executive to ensure that the remaining five positions are urgently filled to enhance court operations.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
08/15 Local Court in Chief Chisomo’s area in Muchinga On Friday, 27th February, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Justice made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the local court in Chief Chisomo’s area in Muchinga, which will include two low cost houses, is earmarked for construction in 2016 at a cost of K1.5 million.

In noting the submission, the previous Committee had expressed disappointment with the response by the Executive considering that this assurance had been outstanding for over five years.
The Committee had urged the Executive to reconsider and fund projects which had been outstanding for over three years.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the Executive was unable to commence the construction of the new local courts due to lack of funds to support capital projects.

In the interim, the Executive would endeavour to find buildings to rent in order to operationalise the Court.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that the funds are secured for the construction of the local courts in Chief Chisomo’s area in Muchinga.

The Committee further urges the Executive to take seriously assurances made on the floor of the House.
The Committee finds the response of lack of funds to support capital projects 120 unacceptable considering that the assurance was made seven years ago and resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
09/13 Local Courts at Nsumbu Business Centre On Thursday, 21st February, 2013, the Minister of Justice made the following assurance: “Mr Speaker, the Government is committed to constructing the Nsumbu Local Court in Nsama District in 2013, in accordance with the strategic plan of the Judiciary and subject to the availability of funds.” In noting the submission, the previous Committee had observed with concern that assurances which had been outstanding for over six years were also being covered by the call circular which came into place in 2018.
The Committee was of the view that outstanding assurances should be given priority when it came to funding.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the Executive was unable to commence the construction of a new court building at Nsumbu Local Court due to lack of funds to support capital projects.
In the interim, the court was operating in a dilapidated council building which was scheduled to be changed once an alternative building to rent was found.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission observes with dismay the failure by the Executive to secure funds to construct Nsumbu Local Court nine years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House.
The Committee urges the Executive to ensure that an alternative building for rent is found without delay and the construction of a new court building expedited to avoid additional costs.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
10/13 Local Courts in Nakonde District On 19th February, 2013, the Minister of Justice made the following undertaking: Mr Speaker, in accordance with the strategic plan for the Judiciary, the local court at Ntolondo in Nakonde District is earmarked for construction this year, 2013.

The previous Committee had observed with concern that the Executive had continuously cited limited fiscal space as the reason why this project could not be actualised.
The Committee was, however, of the view that assurances made on the floor of the House should be treated differently and implemented within the timeframe they were promised to be undertaken.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the Executive was unable to commence the construction of a local court building at Nakonde local Court due to lack of funds to support capital projects.
The Committee was however, informed that in the interim the judiciary would source for an alternative building to be rented as a court room.

121 Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee expresses disappointment at the failure by the Executive to have the project actualised for over nine years.

The Committee hence, urges the Executive to ensure that funds are secured for this project without further delay considering the inordinate time it has taken for it to have the project implemented.
The Committee is also of the view that alternative building to rent is not a lasting solution as it is an additional cost which is supposed to be cut within a short period of time.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS 07/18 Chitambo Mission Police Post On 28th September, 2017, the Minister of Home Affairs made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, we are, indeed aware of the logistical challenges that the police is having in Chitambo As regards the construction of holding cells, we have a slight challenge.

As the Honourable Member is aware, Chitambo Mission Police Post is sitting on land that belongs to Chitambo Mission Hospital.
Therefore, we would like the Honourable Member to work with us to see if we can find an alternative where we can then place a Police Post with all the necessary facilities.

However, that might not be done this year due to unavailability of funds.

Sir, administrative arrangements are being made by the Regional Command to have additional officers sent to Chitambo Mission Police Post in response to the status of district.
As I stated earlier, … in 2017, our focus will be on planning for the construction of the new Police Station for the new district and housing units for our officers who will be deployed to Chitambo District.

In noting the submission the previous Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured and the project actualised.
Further, the Committee was of the view that the 80 per cent policy should not apply to assurances made on the floor of the House and other critical facilities such as a police station in a district.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response In its update to the Committee, the Executive submitted that it had made progress on this matter through the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development.
Works for the construction of a modern police station and ten housing units had been procured and the process was now at evaluation stage.

This process was almost complete and works were expected to commence soon.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to expeditiously commence the construction of the Chitambo Mission Police Post considering that it has taken inordinately long for the project to be implemented.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

37/18 Zambia Correctional Service Irrigation Project in Serenje On 12th June, 2018, the Minister of Home Affairs made the following assurance: 122 Sir, I wish to inform the House that the irrigation project under the Zambia Correctional Service in Serenje District will be completed in the first quarter of 2019.

The total cost of the project is K25,721,048.80.

This includes land, the cost of clearing and leveling of the farm.
The previous Committee in noting the submission, had urged the Executive to ensure that the remaining counterpart funds amounting to K9,305,020.60 were released to facilitate the completion of the irrigation project under the Zambia Correctional Service in Serenje District.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update informed the Committee that in the 2021 budget, a total of K15,000,000 was allocated to complete and operationalise the three remaining Irrigation Development Support Project (IDSP) sites (Nansanga 700 Ha, Chitwi 310 Ha and Lubambala, 130 Ha).

However, so far only K120,000 had been released.


The Committee was also informed that the delay in the completion of works at Nansanga IDSP site and other sites was due to inconsistency release of the counterpart funds by the Ministry of Finance.

The Committee was further informed that the Zambia Correctional Service through the IDSP directorate was ready to mobilise the machinery for Nansanga IDSP site to complete the remaining works once the counterpart funds were disbursed by the Ministry of Finance.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with concern the slow pace at which the Executive is disbursing funds for the project and urges it to ensure that funds are urgently secured for the project to be fully implemented.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
12/15 Construction of North-Western Province Police Administration Block On 24th September, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs made the following assurance: “Mr Speaker, the Government has started the construction of the Zambia Police Division Headquarters in Solwezi, North-Western Province.

The project is at the excavation level and is being supervised by the Buildings Department.

Sir, the project time frame is eighteen months.


As the works started on 8th January 2015, they are expected to be completed by 30th June 2016.” The previous Committee had observed with concern that the Executive would only consider securing funds for the completion of the project after ongoing projects which were 80 per cent and above were completed for an assurance which was made over five years ago.
The Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that the project was considered for funding notwithstanding the 80 per cent and above policy pronouncement as the assurance was made before the policy came into effect.

Further, the Committee reiterated the view that assurances made on the floor of the House should be financially backed, so as not to render the assurances a mere academic exercise.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response 123 The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the construction of the North- Western Provincial Police Administration Block was at 45 per cent completion.

The Executive further informed the Committee that the Executive would continue the construction when funds were available.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee finds the response by the Executive unacceptable considering that it has taken over seven years for the Executive to construct a Police Administration block in North-Western Province.

The Committee urges the Executive to ensure that assurances that have been outstanding for over five years, are given priority when it comes to funding.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
31/15 Construction of Milenge Police Post On 1st October, 2015, the Minister of Home Affairs made the following assurance: “Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to construct a police post, not a police station, in Milenge.

The police post will be built with three staff houses.
Construction will begin this month, October, 2015, after we announce the contractor.” The previous Committee had noted with disappointment and urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured and disbursed in good time to ensure that the contractor does not abandon the site again.

The Committee had further urged the Executive to ensure that the outstanding payments were made without further delay, so that the construction works could resume.
The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the construction of Milenge Police Post would continue once funds were made available by the Ministry of Finance.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with disappointment that it has taken the Executive inordinately long to implement the assurance made on the floor of the House seven years ago.
The Committee, therefore, finds the response by the Executive unacceptable and urges it to ensure that funds are secured for the construction of Milenge Police Post without further delay.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
14/16 National Registration Office in Kalabo On 16th April, 2016, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs made the following assurance: “Sir, the contractor engaged to construct the National Registration Office block in Kalabo District is back on site and construction works resumed on 30th December, 2015.

The completion of the project has delayed due to lack of financial resources to commence the works.

The contractor was waiting for an up-front payment in order to mobilise and start the works.
However, this has been resolved and the contractor is back on site.

The time frame for the completion of the project is eighteen months.

Therefore, it is expected that the office block for National Registration in Kalabo will be handed over to the Government in July 2017.” 124 In noting the submission the previous Committee had noted the progress made and had urged the Executive to ensure that payment for the outstanding works was made and that the contractor completed the works.
The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Executive in its response to the Committee submitted that the Provincial Buildings Officer carried out an assessment to facilitate the preparation of the payment certificate.

However, it was established that works done did not meet submitted completed works and the contractor was advised to move back on site so that the works could be completed.
The Committee was informed that the contractor had failed to move back on site and therefore, the Executive was in a process of terminating the contract.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee expresses concern at the failure by the Executive to actualise this project, five years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House.
The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to expeditiously terminate the contract so that another contractor is procured to complete the remaining works.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
12/15 Construction of Police Stations and Posts in Magoye Constituency On Thursday, 5th March, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs made the following assurance: “Mr Speaker, the Government, through the Zambia Police Force, has plans to construct a police post in Magoye Township in 2016.” In noting the submission the previous Committee had observed with concern that the construction of the police station in Magoye Parliamentary Constituency, which had been outstanding for over four years would only be considered after the completion of ongoing infrastructure development programmes under the Zambia Police Service.
The Committee, hence, had urged the Executive to reconsider and secure funds for the construction the Police Post in Magoye Parliamentary Constituency, as the assurance had been outstanding for over five years.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the construction of Magoye Police Post in Magoye Parliamentary Constituency had not been done due to non-availability of funds.
However, plans by Executive to construct the police post were still active and the construction would be done when funds were available.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with concern the failure by the Executive to actualise the assurance seven years after it was made on the floor of the House and urges it to ensure that funds are urgently secured to facilitate the implementation of the assurance.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
125 15/15 Administrative Provisions for Itemba Police Post in Milenge District On Wednesday, 11th March, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs made the following assurance: “Mr Speaker, the installation of solar panels at Itemba Police Post and staff houses in Milenge District will commence this year 2015, since the funds for the two projects have been provided for in the 2015 Budget.” The previous Committee in noting the progress made, had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the Zambia Police Service (ZPS) completed the electrical wiring of the police post and three housing units as assured in the earlier report.

Works were still going on and Rural Electrification Authority (REA) had completed connecting the service lines to the police post and housing units.

The REA project in the area was nearing completion and once commissioned the police post would have power supply.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the progress made, urges the Executive to ensure that the remaining works were expedited to facilitate the commissioning and subsequent connection of power to the police post and housing units.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
16/15 Construction of office block and housing units for Police in Rufunsa District On Friday, 13th March, 2015, the Minister of Home Affairs made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Government has plans to construct an office block and ten housing units in Rufunsa District in 2015.

Funds for the construction of an office block and the ten staff houses have been set aside under the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication.
In noting the submission the previous Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that the works were completed following the payment of the contractor in full.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the contractor for this project was paid in full for the works already completed and the contractor had promised to make progress on the remaining works.
However, the contractor had not made any progress on the remaining works hence the Executive had commenced the contract termination procedure in order that a new contract with a different contractor was initiated for the remaining works to be completed.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee, in noting the submission, urges the Executive to ensure that the termination of the contract be expedited to facilitate for the procurement of a new contract and the 126 commencement of works on the construction of the office block and housing units for Police in Rufunsa District.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES 02/18 ZNBC Offices in Chinsali/Local Tour On 19th September, 2017, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Ministry has a plan to build a provincial broadcasting station in Chinsali District.

This project is part of the implementation of phases two and three of the Digital Migration Project.
The provincial broadcasting stations will be utilised by the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) as local offices as well.

Mr Speaker, the implementation of the plan has already started.

At the moment, the contractor has started building the transmission house and tower.

The works on the main provincial broadcasting station in Chinsali will commence once the contractor has completed the construction of the transmission house on or before 15th October, 2017.
The commencement of the construction works in Chinsali, Mongu, Mansa, Chipata, Kabwe and Kasama will, therefore, start before the end of October, 2017.

In noting the progress made on the six provincial studios the Committee in the previous Session, had resolved to await a progress report on the remaining works and the completion of the two stalled studios in Choma and Solwezi.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that three Provincial Studios namely: Mansa, Kasama and Chinsali were at 100 per cent civil works completion, the other three studios Kabwe, Chipata and Mongu were above 80 per cent on civil works.

Further, Lusaka the National Operation Centre was at 83 per cent.
Additionally, Choma and Solwezi Provincial Studios were still at slab level due to tight fiscal space nevertheless, Bill of Quantities (BOQ’s) for both studios had been obtained.

To consolidate the submission made to the Committee during its long meetings, the Committee undertook an on the spot check of the construction of ZNBC offices in Kabwe and Solwezi.
Kabwe Studio The Committee learnt that the construction of the Kabwe Studio was part of the digital migration project phase II and III construction of the National Coordination Centre and six Provincial Broadcasting Studios.
The contract to construct Kabwe Studios was awarded to Messrs Star Times Software Technology Company Limited who subcontracted Messrs ZhongMei Engineering Group Limited to do the works because Star Times Software Technology Company Limited was not registered with the National Council for Construction.

The Committee also learnt that the construction works commenced in December, 2017 and were expected to be completed in June, 2019.
However, the contract completion date was 127 revised to September, 2022, due to financial constraints.

The Committee was informed that EXIM Bank who was the financiers of the project stopped funding because the Government defaulted.

However, at the time the works stalled, 80 per cent of the works were done.

The Committee was further informed that US$3.4 million of the works done was certified, while US$800,000 was required for the completion of the remaining works.
The Committee was however, informed that the Government was in the process of re-scoping the works for the determination of the way forward.

Solwezi Studio During the tours, the Committee learnt that the construction of the Solwezi Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) offices commenced in December, 2014.

The contract was awarded to Astor Investment at a contract sum of K11,016,684.43.
The project was scheduled to be completed by June, 2016, eighteen months after the commencement of construction works.

The Committee learnt that the contractor was paid an advance payment of K1,899,428.35 at commencement of the project.

In 2015, works amounting to K2,021,116.50 were certified, which to date had not been paid.

During the tour of the construction site, the Committee learnt that, some metal reinforcements were cut and removed from the site by unknown people.
In this regard, those needed to be replaced before the civil works to complete the project could commence.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with concern the failure by Executive to honor its loan obligations resulting in the stalling of works which were already 80 per cent complete.
The Committee further observes that the awarding of a contract to a contractor who is not registered with the National Council of Construction, only to subcontract another could have escalated the contract sum.

The Committee therefore, recommends that the process to re-scope the works be expedited to facilitate the completion of the remaining works as continued delay may result in the vandalism of already complete structures and equipments.
The Committee observes with disappointment the failure by the Executive to actualise the construction of Solwezi ZNBC offices eight years after the works initially commenced, resulting into vandalism of the infrastructure and additional cost.

The Committee therefore, recommends that the Government should secure funds without further delay as the contract sum was not astronomical to stop the project.
The Committee further observes with concern the difference in the contract sum for similar buildings with minimal differences in the outer appearance between the Kabwe Studio and the Solwezi Studio.

The Committee therefore, is of the view that more attention is paid to the contraction of these projects as it reflects either poor workmanship on the Solwezi Studio or escalated contract sum in the case of the Kabwe Studio or vis-versa.
In addition, the Committee observes with concern the cost the Government had to incur due to vandalism and urges it to ensure that once a project commences, it should be financed to the later to avoid such costs.

128 The Committee is further, saddened to note that the Executive has done literally nothing to ensure that the two stalled studios in Choma and Solwezi were actualised during the year under review.
The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to ensure that the remaining works at the four provincial studios and the two stalled studios in Choma and Solwezi are actualised without further delay.

The Committee resolves to await a comprehensive progress report on the matter.
18/15 Radio Reception in Rural Areas On 23rd September, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Information and Broadcasting made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Government, through the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), has embarked on a nationwide programme to enhance radio reception in the rural parts of the country under the Rural FM Project.
The Rural FM Project involves installation of transmitters at the following twenty-four sites: Chienge; Kazembe; Kaputa; Samfya; Chilubi Island; Mporokoso; Isoka; Shiwang’andu; Luwingu; Senga Hill; Mwandi; Shang’ombo; Lukulu; Mulobezi; Maamba; Sinazeze; Sinazongwe; Chirundu; Kalomo; Mufumbwe; Chavuma; Luangwa; Nyimba; and Mumbwa.
The previous Committee, in noting the effort the Executive had made, urged it to be consistent in the disbursement of funds and ensure that the signal transmission equipment was installed at the remaining sixteen sites.

The Committee had resolved to await a comprehensive progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive, in its update to the Committee, submitted that the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) had taken a phased approach in implementing the project beginning with Kazembe, in Luapula Province which was expected to be completed by end of May, 2021.

However, due to tight fiscal space, the remaining fifteen sites would be installed when resources are made available.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee bemoans the failure by the Executive to actualise the project seven years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House and urges it to ensure that funds are secured to facilitate the installation of the signal transmission equipment in the remaining fifteen sites.

The Committee resolves to await a comprehensive progress report on the matter.
SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY The Committee in the previous Session was saddened that not much had been done to ensure that assurances that had been outstanding for over three years were funded and projects implemented.

In this vein, the Committee, in noting the submission, was of the view that construction of infrastructure projects assured on the floor of the House must be prioritised notwithstanding the 80 per cent policy directive.
The previous Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the funding of assurances especially those which have been outstanding for over three years.

129 Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the Treasury was aware of the importance of investing in different infrastructure projects as they act as a tool towards economic development in a country.
However, the Committee heard that the continued underfunding of infrastructure projects was mainly due to the fiscal challenges the Treasury had been experiencing in the previous fiscal years which included lower than projected revenues, huge debt obligations, unforeseen covid-19 expenditures among others.

Nonetheless, the Treasury had from time to time funded infrastructure projects to ensure that the 80 per cent projects were completed.
This could be seen by the over performance of the budget execution on capital projects in the 2020 fiscal year which was 179 per cent above the projection.

In addition, in the 2021 financial year, the Treasury had so far released almost K300 million to be used to complete different infrastructure projects in all the ten provinces.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that funding of infrastructure projects which are tools towards economic development in the country should be prioritized and disbursement of such funds be consistent so that the high number of outstanding assurances is reduced.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF CHIEFS AND TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS 38/14 1958 Chiefdom Boundaries Re-Designation On Tuesday, 2nd December, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs is currently consulting with the Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection through the Surveyor- General’s Office on the issuance of a new chiefdom boundary map.
The previous Committee had expressed disappointment at the response by the Executive that the project was not provided for in the 2020 budget, despite the assurance having been made over seven years ago.

The Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that the assurance was actualised without further delay.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive in its update to the Committee submitted that the printing of the 1958 Chiefdom Boundary Maps without the Topographic background and the Chiefdom Boundary Maps with Topographic background had since commenced.

The Ministry was having 752 copies printed for each of the above categories.

As of 14th April, 2021, a total of 198 Chiefdom Boundary Maps with Topographic background were printed and delivered to the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs.
The Maps were being printed province by province as opposed to national.

The distribution of the 198 Maps that had been received by the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs was as tabulated below: 130 1958 CHIEFDOM BOUNDARY MAPS WITH TOPOGRAPHIC BACKGROUND PRINTED AND RECEIVED AS AT 14TH APRIL, 2021 S/No.
NAME OF PROVINCE NUMBER OF COPIES 1 Central 2 Eastern 3 Luapula 4 Northern 5 North-western 6 Southern 7 Western SUB-TOTAL BALANCE TARGET TOTAL 14 33 22 14 12 66 37 198 554 752 Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that the remaining 554 Chiefdom Boundary Maps with Topographic background are printed without further delay to avoid chiefdom boundary wrangles which are currently being experienced in most parts of the country.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

24/13 Construction of Palaces for Traditional Leaders in Serenje On 1st March, 2013, the Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs made the following undertaking: Mr Speaker, the construction of palaces will commence this year, 2013, after the completion of preparatory work.

As we all know in this august House, there is a provision in the 2013 budget for the construction and rehabilitation of palaces in amounts totalling to K11,215,500.
The Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication has submitted the plans for palaces which will be discussed by the House of Chiefs as it convenes on 18thMarch, 2013.

Let me also take this opportunity, Mr Speaker, to say to this august House that our assessment around the country depicts that we do not have many palaces as per the English dictionary.

What we have are just little huts in some places or just what would be a house.
So, I think we have a lot of work to do to construct these palaces.

We have decided, as a Ministry, to do a lot of preparatory work of assessment, proper drawings, and to listen to histories of particular chiefdoms so that the palaces depict this history.

We also want to add value to the palaces so that, like everywhere else in the world, they are part of our tourist attractions.

The Chiefs in Serenje District were as follows: 1.

Senior Chief Muchinda; 2.

Chief Kabamba; 3.

Chief Chisomo; 4.


Chief Chitambo; 5.

Chief Mailo; 131 6.

Chieftainess Serenje; 7.

Chief Muchinka; and 8.

Chief Chibale.” The previous Committee in noting the progress made on the construction of Chieftainess Serenje’s palace, had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured for the remaining palaces in Serenje District.

The Committee had further urged the Executive to ensure that there was consistency in the disbursement of funds.
The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the construction of palaces for traditional leaders in Serenje.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the Executive was constructing Chiefs’ palaces in phases with at least three Palaces per province.

In the first and current phase the following palaces in Central Province were under construction: Senior Chief Chipepo - Kapiri Mposhi District; Chieftainess Serenje - Serenje District; and i) ii) iii) Chief Moono - Mumbwa District.
In this regard, construction of palaces for the following Chiefs namely: Senior Chief Muchinda; Chief Kabamba; Chief Chisomo; Chief Chitambo; Chief Mailo; Chief Muchinka; and Chief Chibale in Serenje District would be considered in the subsequent phases once all the palaces earmarked for the first phase had been constructed.

The construction of palaces for other traditional leaders that were not catered in the first phase would be considered in subsequent phases.
Consistency in the disbursement of funds would be dependent on the availability of financial resources from the Treasury.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission expresses disappointment that construction of palaces for traditional leaders in Serenje have not yet been fully implemented nine years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House.
The Committee urges the Executive to ensure that resources are secured to expedite the implementation of the project.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
16/16 Chieftainess Kanyembo’s Palace On 23rd November, 2016, the Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the construction of Chieftainess Kanyembo’s Palace, which encompasses the main house and queen’s quarters and is currently standing at wall plate level, is earmarked for completion in 2017.

The previous Committee in noting the progress made, had urged the Executive to ensure that the contractor was on site and that works commenced.
The Committee also had urged the Executive to ensure that the release of funds for the construction works was consistent.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

132 Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the outstanding interim payment certificate of K478,128.70 for the construction of Chieftainess Kanyembo’s palace was paid in the month of July, 2020 and works resumed and were underway.

The Committee was further informed that works were 82 per cent complete.
The Committee also heard that the consistency in the release of funds for the construction of Chieftainess Kanyembo’s palace depended on the availability of financial resources from the Treasury.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee bemoans the slow pace at which the project is being undertaken, and urges the Executive to ensure that release of funds for the construction of Chieftainess Kanyembo’s palace is consistent, considering that the project has reached an advanced stage.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

05/17 Rehabilitation and Electrification of Palaces for Chiefs Shibwalya Kapila and Mukupa Kaoma On 21st February, 2017, the Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs wrote to the Provincial Administration Office requesting it to assess the state of dilapidation of the palaces and, thereafter, provide the Ministry with a bill of quantities (BoQ).
We have since received the BOQs from the Northern Province Administration and have permitted the Provincial Administration to commence the tendering process.

So, the works will be executed.

In noting the submission, the previous Committee, had urged the Executive to ensure that the contractor was back on site to continue with the next stage.

Further, the Committee had urged the Executive to be consistent with the disbursement of funds to enable the completion of the remaining construction works.
The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that having paid the contractor an outstanding interim payment certificate of K176,480.70 for the construction of Chief Mukupa Kaoma’s palace, the contractor had since moved back on site.

The Committee was also informed that works were at 35 per cent completion.
The consistency in the release of funds for the construction of Chief Mukupa Kaoma’s palace was dependent on the availability of financial resources from the Treasury.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that funds are consistently disbursed for the rehabilitation and electrification of the two palaces as further delay will result in additional costs due to standing time.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

133 MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND ARTS 08/12 Restocking of Game Management Areas (GMAs) On Friday, 16th March, 2013, the Minister of Tourism and Arts made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, all GMAs whose stocks are depleted are being considered for restocking.” Lusaka National Park (2010 to 2013); Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park (2011 to 2013); and Nsumbu National Park.
In noting the progress made, the previous Committee had expressed disappointment at the failure by the Executive to have the Nsumbu and Lusaka National Parks restocked over eight years from the time the assurance was made on the floor of the House.

The Committee had also urged the Executive to ensure that the project was actualised without any further delay, as it had taken inordinately long to implement.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Executive, in its update to the Committee submitted that the restocking of Nsumbu National Park and Lusaka National Parks was included in the 7th National Development Plan.

Before the actual restocking, the Ministry of Tourism and Arts had planned to construct the intensive protection zone, reinforcing park security, improving drinking points and undertaking ecological assessments.
The status of implementation was as follows: (a) Lusaka National Park: The Department of National Parks and Wildlife had started engagements with stakeholders on improvement of water supply, security was being reinforced and preparations were being made to extract water from the nearby dam.

(b) Nsumbu National Park: All the preparatory work to facilitate restocking had been completed.

The restocking exercise would commence within the 2nd quarter, 2021 with the initial stock of 200 buffaloes and 50 zebras.
The Ministry had already made arrangements to capture and translocate the animals.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee retaliates its earlier observation and is disappointed that the Executive was taking inordinately long to actualise the restocking programme at Nsumbu and Lusaka National Parks as was promised on the floor of the House ten years ago.

The Committee hence, urges the Executive to ensure that the restocking exercise is expedited without further delay.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter 30/15 Renovation of Department of National Parks and Wildlife (Formerly Zawa) Camp Houses in Lumezi On 2nd October, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Arts, made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Government, through the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA), has prioritised infrastructure development as a key feature in the management of Game 134 Management Areas (GMAs) and national parks.
In this regard, the Government, through ZAWA, planned in 2014, to construct houses for game scouts and other staff throughout the country, which included the Lumezi Parliamentary Constituency.

However, this could not be done due to lack of funds.

As regards to the renovation of staff houses in Lumezi, this activity has been planned for in the 2016 budget.
The previous Committee in noting the submission had bemoaned the slow pace at which the project was being undertaken and had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured to complete the project.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response In its update to the Committee, the Executive submitted that some funds were secured and the following activities were undertaken in order to implement the assurance: (a) a 1 x 3 bedroomed house at Chikomeni Camp in Lukusuzi National Park was completed; (b) (c) four VIP latrines for four houses at Lumumba Camp under Lukuzuzi National Park were completed; 3 x 3 bedroomed houses under construction at Roan Camp had progressed to 85 per cent.
Works were suspended due to difficulties in accessing the project sites during the past rain season; and (d) 6 x 3 bedroomed houses were scheduled to be constructed at Kalindi Camp in Lukuzuzi National Park.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the progress made, urges the Executive to ensure that funds are consistently disbursed and works expedited to facilitate completion of the remaining works.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE 37/17 Irrigation Schemes in Feira Parliamentary Constituency On 13th June, 2017, the Minister of Agriculture made the following assurance: “Mr Speaker, the Government has identified two sites with 800 hectares and 1,000 hectares of land in Yapite Agricultural Camp for possible establishment of irrigation schemes in addition to the existing schemes at Chafukula in Kaunga A and Tiyeseko in Kaunga B camps which are used for banana production.
In addition, the Government, in collaboration with Child Fund, is establishing an irrigation scheme at Kavalamanja Agricultural Camp.

Three villages, namely Kavalamanja, Tinkolo and Kandembwele will benefit from the scheme.

Farmers under this scheme will be growing vegetables.

135 In noting the submission, the previous Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured to enable the implementation of the project as it had taken such a long time to implement.
The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the Executive through the project Strengthening Climate Resilience of Agriculture Livelihoods in Agro Ecological Regions I and II (SCRALA) intended to install irrigation facilities at Chafukula site in Kaunga A, Tiyeseko in Kunga B and Yapite sites in 2020.

The plans could not be implemented in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic that affected the nation.
However, the installations of irrigation facilities at these facilities were included in the 2021 budget and work plans.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that the installation of the irrigation facilities were expeditiously completed considering the time it has taken for the project to be fully actualised.

The Committee further urges the Executive to ensure that commitments made to the Committee are seriously undertaken.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

17/14 Investments in Irrigation, Agro-processing and Livestock Sectors On Tuesday, 17th June, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock made the following assurance: Sir, the Government has made significant investments in the development of farming blocks, irrigation schemes, agro-processing, livestock and animal health services...
In noting the progress made, the previous Committee had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were secured for the remaining works at all the provincial laboratories and the remaining 216 dip tanks.

The Committee, therefore, had resolved to await a comprehensive progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Executive, in its update to the Committee, submitted as follows: Choma Provincial Laboratory The Laboratory still required more equipment to make it optimally operational.
However, the issue of staffing was being addressed as the Ministry was recruiting new staff.

Kasama Provincial Laboratory The tendering process for the installation of benches was underway and at an advanced stage with ZPPA clearance (NO OBJECTION) already obtained.

Works were expected to commence within the second quarter of 2021.

Ndola Provincial Laboratory The Ministry was still awaiting funds from Treasury to complete the remaining works.
On the other hand, other options were being considered of varying funds from running projects within the Ministry undertaking similar livestock or animal health activities.

136 Isoka Provincial Laboratory The Laboratory equipment had already been procured, and the issue of staffing was being addressed as new staff were being recruited.
Dip Tank Rehabilitation and Construction The Committee was informed that there had been no progress as the Ministry was still waiting for supplementary funding from the Treasury to complete the works.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission expresses concern that in most instances the Executive has done literally nothing to ensure that the project is fully implemented.
The Committee, hence urges the Executive to ensure that funds are secured to facilitate the procurement of the remaining equipments and works as it has taken inordinately long for the project to be actualised.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES 01/16 Construction of Dip Tanks in Nangoma On 24th February, 2016, the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock made the following assurance: Madam, there was no construction of dip tanks in Nangoma Constituency in 2011, as the construction of dip tanks countrywide started in 2012.

The construction of the four dip tanks in the constituency started in 2014.
Site identification and the development of the technical specifications was done between January and September, 2014, while the contract was approved in September, 2014.

Thereafter, the site was handed over to the contractor, DDYPE Drilling and Construction Company, on 16th October, 2014.

To date, 85 per cent of the works on the four dip tanks have been completed and the Ministry has engaged the Ministry of Finance for the release of the funds needed to complete the remaining works in 2017.
The previous Committee had observed with concern how all the constructed crush pens would collapse and the roofs blown off.

The Committee therefore, was of the view that the works were not up to standard and had urged the Executive to ensure that construction works were of the required standard to avoid the Executive losing funds by way of renovations.

The Committee had further urged the Executive to ensure that the crush pens and the blown off roofs were renovated without any further delay.
The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the status as outlined in the report below remains the same.

The Ministry has constituted a task team to conduct a detailed assessment of the Dip Tanks in Nangoma and came up with recommendations and budgets to rehabilitate and operationalize them.

STATUS REPORT ON THE 2014 DIP TANKS CONSTRUCTION UNDER NANGOMA 137 CONSITITUENCY OF MUMBWA DISTRICT AS AT 21ST AUGUST, 2020.
PROJECT NAME NAME OF CONTRACTOR STAGE WORKS OF CONTRACT SUM FUNDING AGENCY REMARKS Natani Dip tank, Nangoma Veterinary Camp Mukupi Dip tank, Myooye Veterinary Camp tank Mukubu Dip Keezwa Veterinary Camp Nkonka Dip tank Muchabi Veterinary Camp DPPYE Contractors K644,342.75 for the four Dip tanks.

Site handover date 09/10/14 Central Government Central Government all substructures and roofs.

all done.

boreholes all substructures and roofs.

boreholes all done.

boreholes all substructures and roofs.


all done.

all substructures and roofs.

all done.

boreholes Central Government Central Government tank was The Dip the and completed borehole sunk.

However the roof of tank was the dip the blown off and crush pen collapsed.

tank was The dip the and completed bore hole is functional.

However, the roof was blown off and the was substructure cracked and there was seepage.

The crush pen collapsed.

The roof was blown off the crush pen and collapsed.
The bore hole broke down.

The roof was blown off and pen crush collapsed.

The bore hole is functional.

Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes with concern that all the four crush pens which were constructed in Nangoma Constituency had collapsed and had their roofs blown off.

The Committee further expresses dismay at the poor workmanship and recommends that the contractor be blacklisted to deter other would be contractors to do the same.
The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to be lack of supervision on the side of the Executive.

The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to ensure that once funds for the rehabilitation of the dip tanks are secured, works should be closely supervised to avoid additional cost through rehabilitations because of poor workmanship.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF WORKS AND SUPPLY 32/14 Construction of Lunsemfwa River Bridge in Rufunsa Constituency On Friday, 7th October, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication made the following assurance: 138 Mr Speaker, the Road Development Agency (RDA) has engaged Messrs Roughton International for the design and construction supervision of the Lunsemfwa and Chipaba bridges in Old Mkushi at a combined contract sum of K5,693,309.
The contract was signed on 12th August, 2013, and is expected to be completed in October, 2014.

The construction of a bridge across the Lunsemfwa River, which connects the Chiefdoms of Shikabeta and Mbosha in Rufunsa Parliamentary Constituency, is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2015, after the conclusion of the procurement process.
The previous Committee in noting the submission had urged the Executive to ensure that funds were urgently secured for the construction of the Lunsemfwa and Chipaba bridges in old Mkushi to avoid increase in costs due to contract standing time and materials.

The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
Executive’s Response The Committee was informed that the contract for the construction of Lunsemfwa and Chipaba bridges in old Mkushi was signed, but works had not commenced due to funding challenges on the project.

The Committee was therefore informed that the project would be implemented once funds were made available.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission expresses disappointment at the failure by the Executive to commence the construction of Lunsemfwa and Chipaba bridges in old Mkushi eight years after the assurance was made on the floor of the House.
Considering the inordinate time it has taken for the Executive to implement the project, the Committee is of the view that assurances should only be made when funds are certain and should not be made to appease the general public.

The Committee therefore, urges the Executive to ensure that funds to facilitate the construction of the two bridges connecting Chief Shikabeta and Mbosha in Rufunsa Parliamentary Constituency are secured without further delay.
The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.

42/14 Construction of Immigration Department Offices at Nsumbu Border Post On Friday, 5th December, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, the Immigration Department has budgeted for the construction of an Immigration office block and medium-cost house, and the sinking of a borehole and water tank at Nsumbu Border Post in Nsama District in the 2014 budget.
The procurement process for the works, which will cost K3,400,000, is in progress and construction will start in 2015, after the procurement process has been completed.

The previous Committee was pleased with the completion of the construction of the office block and the medium-cost house at Nsumbu Border Post in Nsama District.

The Committee, however, had urged the Executive to facilitate the completion of essential auxiliary works such as drilling of a borehole and erecting of a tank.
The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response 139 The Executive in its update informed the Committee that the construction of essential auxiliary works such as drilling of a borehole and erecting of a tank and other outstanding works and variations was awarded to Platinum Stone Limited.

The contractor had since moved to site and works on water reticulation system had commenced.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee in noting the submission urges the Executive to ensure that funds to complete the construction of essential auxiliary works such as drilling of a borehole and erecting of a tank and other outstanding works and variations at Nsumbu Border Post, Immigration Department Offices are consistently disbursed to facilitate the completion of the project without further delay.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
03/15 Mbala-Kasaba Bay-Nsumbu Road On 25th February, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication made the following assurance: Mr Speaker, works to upgrade the road will commence after the completion of the feasibility studies and the detailed design, whose funding will be considered for inclusion in the 2016 budget.

The previous Committee in noting the submission had urged the Executive to ensure that the funds were secured and that the project was implemented.
The Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.

Executive’s Response The Executive in its update informed the Committee that the first phase of the Mbala- Kasaba Bay-Nsumbu Road covering the first 61km from Mbala towards Kasaba Bay was under contract.

The progress on this phase had stalled at 10.9 per cent owing to financing challenges on the project.

The subsequent phases would be procured and implemented once funds were secured.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee is saddened to note that not much progress was made to ensure that the project was finalised.

The Committee is of the view that assurances made on the floor of the House are financed and actualised within the promised implementation timeframe.

The Committee resolves to await a progress report on the matter.
FOREIGN TOUR REPORT PART III The Committee on Government Assurances as per its programme of work for the First Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly undertook a benchmarking trip to Rwanda with an objective of learning how: a. the teaching of ICT in Primary and Secondary Schools had progressed; 140 b. the provision of ICT infrastructure has progressed over the years; and c. how assurances made on the floor of the House are followed up to ensure that they are actualized.
In this regard the Committee visited a number of institutions and Committees in the country which included; the Ministry of Education, University of Rwanda, the Immigration/Emigration Department, Irembo Company (e - governance), St Michael’s primary and secondary school, Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), Kanyoza Zipline Company and the Committee on Education, Technology, Culture and Youth.
During the tour, the Committee learnt that the Government of Rwanda was promoting both the learning and use of ICT in all sectors of the economy and was using ICT as an “Enabler” to spur national development and increase the competitiveness of the country on the global market.
In achieving this, the country created the following institutions:  Ministry of ICT and Innovation;  Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA);  Rwanda Development Board (RDB);  National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA);  Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA).
The Committee learnt that as a way of providing the education sector with the necessary ICT teaching equipment such as computers, laptops and internet for both primary and secondary schools, the following institutions were exempted from VAT on all ICT related equipment meant for educational purposes.

These included: i. ii.

iii.


students of nursery, primary, secondary and higher learning institutions; social welfare organizations for students and youths meant for promoting the social, intellectual and spiritual development; and for non-profit making purposes, and vocational training institutions.

In addition, the Committee learnt that the Government of Rwanda uses some of the following policies, laws and orders to effectively promote the teaching and learning of ICT in schools: a.
Policies       Education Sector Policy, 2003; Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation, October 2006; ICT in Education Policy, April 2016; MINEDUC ICT Management Policy; National Council for Science and Technology Policy, June 2020; Teacher Development Policy,2020; 141 b. c. Laws Enacted by Parliament Related to Education  The Law n°010/2021 of 16/02/2021 determining the organization of education;  The Law n°23/2012 of 15/06/2012 establishing the organization and functioning of nursery, primary and secondary schools.
Orders Related to Education  Presidential Order No.

064/01of16/03/2020 establishing special statutes governing teachers in nursery, primary, secondary and technical and vocational schools;   Ministerial Order No.

001/MINEDUC/2021 of 2021 determining standards in education; Ministerial Order No.

002/MINEDUC/2021 establishing curriculum in general, professional and technical and vocational basic education.
DEVELOPMENT OF ICT IN EDUCATION The Committee learnt that in 2007, ICT was introduced in the curriculum as a subject in secondary schools and devices to ensure implementation of the subject were distributed in schools.

The Committee further learnt that from 2008, computer laboratories for ICT lessons were established in secondary schools where ten to twenty computers per school were distributed and only 5 per cent of secondary schools benefited from the program.
However, over the years, electronic device access had increased from 5 per cent in 2008 to 67 per cent in 2019.

The Committee was informed that Rwanda’s Vision 2020 embedded ICT as an enabler of development in every sector of the economy.

In addition, the Committee was informed that the Government in the Vision 2020 wanted Rwanda to be a knowledge-based society and “middle-income country”.

The Vision 2020 placed ICT at the heart of the transformation agenda across all sectors.
The use of ICT in education was seen as a strategic lever for achieving this transformation.
In order to achieve a successful educational transformation, the Rwandan Cabinet approved the ICT in education policy in April 2016, and called for the implementation of four strategic objectives:  Develop a competent & relevant ICT professional base to meet industry needs;  Increase ICT penetration and usage at all educational levels;  Develop education leadership and teachers’ capacity and capability in and through ICT;  Enhance teaching, learning & research through ICT integration in higher learning institutions.
PROGRAMES THAT CONTRIBUTED TO ICT IN EDUCATION IN RWANDA The following programmes were reported to have positively contributed to the teaching and learning of ICT in the education sector.
142  One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) Program/ Smart Classroom Program;  ProFuturo Education Program;  VSAT Technology that connects schools in remote area;  Building Teachers’ capacity and certification;  E-Assessment in schools;  E-learning platform;  Innovative solutions;  Scratch competition;  Innovative Smart classrooms; and  Capacity Development for ICT in Education Project.

a.
a.

One Laptop Per Child Programme (OLPC)/Smart Classroom Programme The Committee leant that though this programme was introduced in primary schools in 2008, with the aim of enhancing education through the introduction of technology in primary schools, it faced numerous challenges and it was eventually incorporated into another programme called “Smart Classrooms”.
Under this programme, digital content was made available online and offline in school-based servers known as Content Access Points (CAPs) and students accessed it through laptops.

In 2016, the Government of Rwanda introduced two smart classrooms per school policy to enhance the teaching and learning of ICT, hence improving the quality of education in both primary and secondary schools.
Each smart classroom was equipped with fifty computers, one projector, access to internet connectivity and access to digital content online through e- learning.reb.rw platform and/or through offline from school-based servers.

This programme had reached 47 per cent of public secondary schools and access to internet connectivity was at 52.9 per cent.

This programme reduced computer per student ratio from 40:1 in 2008 to 9:1 in 2020.
The Committee was further informed that through e-learning.reb.rw learners from primary and secondary schools would access all educational materials including text books for free.

b. ProFuturo Education Programme This programme was an initiative approach introduced in schools to increase access to ICT facilities in primary schools that supported the OLPC programme and increased ICT access in primary schools.
This programme started in April 2019, where schools were provided with one tablet per child, projector and teacher’s laptop with offline digital content.
c. VSAT Technology that Connects Schools in Remote Areas In addition to 52 per cent of schools being connected to 4G and fiber optics, the Committee learnt that the Government of Rwanda in collaboration with VSAT committed to connect more schools using off-grid solutions by providing a package of solar power and internet using satellite broadband technology in order to leverage the smart classroom programme.

The implementation started in December, 2019, and twelve schools had since been connected.
143 d. Building Teachers’ Capacity and Certification/ Capacity Development for ICT in Education Project CADIE The Committee was informed that as a way to effectively achieve the desired results, in 2008 teachers were trained in basic computer skills and were with effect from 2012, been training in integration and utilisation of ICT in teaching and learning based on the UNESCO ICT- Competence Framework for Teachers.
The CADIE Project (2020-2023) was designed to develop ICT utilisation capacity for school teachers based on UNESCO CFT targeting 24,000 secondary school teachers.

In addition, the Ministry of Education in enhancing ICT utilisation in education developed a blended in-service teacher training course which focused on CFT competencies to integrate the appropriate ICT tools in a classroom setting.
Further, so as to increase access, sixty teachers’ capacity development in ICT education training centers (two per district) were set up across the country under a three year CADIE project.

Secondary schools with smart classrooms were reported to have received computers for teachers and school learners under the CADIE.

The Committee also learnt that all the 29,000 secondary school teachers had accounts on Microsoft Office 365 that were linked as emails under reb.ac.rw.
e. E – Assessments in Schools The Committee learnt that the E-assessment was incorporated in Rwanda Educational Board e-learning platform, and it contributed to continuous assessment whereby, a teacher created questions and the system automatically marked the students and gave automatic feedback.

The automatic feedback helped teachers to continuously fast track learners’ performance, instead of waiting for the comprehensive assessment at the end of the semester.
f. E – Learning Platform The Committee was informed that the E-learning platform assisted teachers in identifying slow learners who needed help with their learning activities.

On this platform, teachers could create a class, lessons and enroll students to be able to read and do the formative assessments and got feedback automatically.
g. Innovative Solutions The Committee was informed that it was stated in Rwanda Education Policy documents that, Rwanda should move from a paper-based assessment to electronic-assessment in primary and secondary education, which should focus on subject matter competencies and skills, as well as support collaborative, problem solving, peer and self-assessment for innovations in schools.
h. Scratch Competition As a means of motivating pupils in ICT, the Rwanda Educational Board does host a national scratch competition for students from all schools.

During this competition, primary school pupils develop project-based activities through computer programming and winners were awarded from sector, district and at national level.

144 Innovative Smart Classrooms i.


Schools were provided with infrastructure that allowed interactive teaching and learning with students that were within and outside the school premises.

MILESTONES The Government of Rwanda has achieved the following milestones in ensuring the promotion and enhancement in the teaching of ICT in both primary and secondary school with a single strategic objective of digitalizing the Rwandan citizenry.
Ø Computer distribution in primary schools reached 20 per cent; Ø Smart classroom was covering 760 secondary schools; Ø 6600 secondary school teachers completed CADIE Module fully online at a budget of 18 per cent of face-to-face training budget; Ø 724 schools were connected to Internet.
Table 1: Use of ICT in Schools Number of schools using ICT for teaching and learning Level of education 2017/2018 2018/2019 2019/2020 2020/21 Primary schools 1,267 Secondary schools 944 1,612 1,118 1,718 1,187 1,710 1,356 Number of Schools not using ICT for Teaching and Learning Primary schools 1,610 1,243 1,297 1,981 secondary schools 623 610 596 857 Percentage of Schools using ICT for Teaching and Learning Percentage Primary school 44.0% 58.0% 55.4% of 46.3% Percentage Secondary school of 60.2% 64.7% 66.6% 61.3% As illustrated in Table 1, use of digital content had increased from 44 per cent in primary schools and 60.2 per cent in secondary schools in 2017 to 58 per cent in primary schools and 66.6 per cent in secondary schools in 2019.
However, this percentage decreased to 46.3 per cent in primary schools and 61.3 per cent in secondary schools in 2020/2021.

This was attributed to the new schools constructed in 2020, which had not yet received computers and were not connected to the internet.
Table 2: Indicator Smart Classrooms in Schools 2020/2021 Primary Secondary TVET Number of schools with smart classrooms 373 Percentage classrooms of Schools with smart 10.1 831 44.5 123 35.8 145 schools without Number of classrooms Percentage of schools without smart classrooms smart 3,318 1,038 89.9 55.5 221 64.2 The percentage of schools with smart classrooms stood at 44.5 per cent for secondary; 35.8 per cent for TVET and 10.1 per cent for primary, which was still below the 2020/21 target of 55 per cent for primary, 53 per cent for secondary and 46.4 per cent for TVET.
The failure to reach the target was partly due to new schools that were not yet equipped with ICT devices and internet connectivity.
Table 3: Level of Education Number of Schools with Internet Connectivity 2017/2018 2018/2019 2019/2020 2020/21 Primary schools 723 Secondary schools 647 873 914 1,029 1,089 Number of Schools without Internet Connectivity Primary schools 2,036 2,154 1,932 Secondary schools 920 814 694 1,173 1,180 2,518 1,033 Table 4: Level of education Number of Schools with Computers 2017/2018 2018/2019 2019/2020 2020/21 Primary schools Secondary schools 1,991 1,327 2,195 1,456 2,468 1,523 2,768 1,842 Number of Schools without Computers 714 Primary schools 886 Secondary schools 240 272 Percentage of Schools with Computers 75.5 Percentage Primary school 69.2 of 493 260 923 371 83.4 75.0 Percentage Secondary school of 84.7 84.3 85.4 83.2 Table 4 illustrates that the number of schools with computers increased but the percentage decreased between 2019 and 2020/21 because of the new schools that were not yet equipped with computers.
Table 5: Primary schools Secondary schools Number of Teachers Trained in Digital Skills Literacy 12.595 14.793 146 INVESTMENT IN THE ICT SECTOR During the visit, the Committee was informed that the Government of Rwanda had over the years invested so much in ICT sector as a whole.

This included covering the whole country with over 96 per cent ICT back born infrastructure.
With regards the education sector, the Government had put up policies, laws and regulations that had over the years contributed positively in the teaching and learning of ICT through the provision of infrastructure and teacher capacity building.

The Committee further learnt that a computer assembling plant was established with a view of making Rwanda the “knowledge hub of Africa” through the use of ICT and digitalization of its citizenry.
Apart from the above, the Government exempted all computer spare parts from VAT.

This made the Government manage to provide computers to most schools in the country.

In addition, the Committee was also informed that not less than 10.7 per cent of the national budget went to the education sector every year which had resulted in more schools being built and seen the continued provision of computers/laptops to schools which had none.
Further, through the support, the sector was getting from the Government (national budget and other co-operating partners), development of infrastructure to facilitate the teaching and learning of ICT in primary, secondary and tertiary education has positively progressed over the years as indicated above.
GENERAL CHALLENGES Despite the success and progress made in the implementation of teaching and learning of ICT in both primary and secondary schools, the Government of Rwanda continues to face some challenges as highlighted below.
 The Changing and dynamism nature of Technology  Insufficient Network coverage due to the country being mountainous  Cyber security threats  Electricity having not reached all parts of the country  Limited Fiber-optic broadband across the entire country  Limited Smart classrooms  Limited access to Internet in some schools.

OVERSIGHT FUNCTION As part of its benchmarking visit, the Committee wished to know how assurances made on the floor of the House were being followed up by Parliament to the later.
The Committee was informed that in the case of Rwanda, Parliament as a whole had the obligation of ensuring that the Government fulfilled its promises to the people.
147 The Committee learnt that Parliament obtains information and exercised oversight of Government action at all levels of activities, in Government projects and public services under Government control through the following frameworks:  Oral questions;  Written questions;  Committee hearing;  Committee of inquiry;  Interpellation (Vote of No Confidence) The Committee also learnt that the last stage of Parliament in trying to exercise oversight on the Government (interpellation) was one which was crucial and if Parliament was not satisfied by the response by the Minister, Interpellation or simply a vote of no confidence would be passed and the Minister in question relieved of their duties.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations The Committee observes that for the education sector to fully implement the teaching and learning of ICT in primary and secondary schools in order to achieve the objective of a digitalized society, the Government should fully invest in the ICT back born infrastructure throughout the country and prioritise the ICT sector as an enabler of development in all sectors of the economy.
With regards, the learning and teaching of ICT in primary and secondary schools, the Committee observes that it is imperative that the Government invests in infrastructure and provision of computers as well as teacher capacity especially in primary schools.

In view of the above, the Committee recommends as follows: i. ii.

iii.

iii.

that the Government should expedite the rate of investment in ICT equipment in order to ensure that the learners get the quality education required in ICT.
In this regard, the Committee recommends that all schools should have at least two computer laboratories with fifty computers each, a projector and internet connectivity.
The Committee also emphasizes the need for the Government to ensure that primary schools are not left out in the provision of computer laboratories and computers; that the Government should ensure that there is capacity building of teachers especially those teaching at primary schools so that they are able to integrate the appropriate ICT skills with tools in a classroom setting; that ICT training should be part of the teacher training curriculum henceforth as a way of enhancing the teaching and learning of ICT in schools; that the Ministry of Education should introduce a programme to capacitate teachers in ICT and that once teachers graduate from the In-service Training schools, they should be availed with laptops on a loan basis as a means of enhancing teaching of ICT in primary schools; iv.
that all schools should have electricity and internet connectivity using different technologies for the teaching of ICT to be fully implemented; 148 v. vi.
that the Executive should ensure that all schools have power and those were power cannot be connected through the national grid, they should be connected using off-grid solutions such as solar power; that the Government through the Ministry of Education should come up with innovations to ensure that internet is accessible even in the remote areas of the country by partnering with some international organizations using satellite broadband technology in order to leverage the teaching and learning of ICT in primary and secondary schools and not to continually disadvantage learners in remote areas of the country; and vii.
that the installation of communication towers should be expedited in underserved and unserved areas of the country as a means of enhancing connectivity and the teaching and learning of ICT in primary and secondary schools in rural areas.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS The Committee is seriously concerned that a number of assurances, especially under the Ministries of Health, Housing, Infrastructure and Urban Development and Education have remained outstanding for a long time despite further assurances that the Government is committed to implementing them.
In addition, the Committee notes with disappointment and anxiety the fact that a number of projects whose imminent commencement and/or completion was assured to the nation through the House by the Executive do not even appear in the relevant departments’ work plans.

This often happens because some assurances are made without due consideration being given to the requisite financial outlays to fulfill them, and lack of proper implementation plans.
As a result, these projects are either never actually commenced or suffer from chronic under funding, which negatively impacts on their completion.

The Committee wishes to categorically state that this is an unacceptable state of affairs and could seriously undermine the confidence that the public has in the Government as a whole.
The Committee, therefore, wishes to implore the Government to take its recommendations on such projects seriously so that the assurances are brought to their respective logical conclusions.

In addition, the Committee wishes to reiterate that all assurances issued on the Floor of the House should be made after due consideration of all relevant matters including, but not limited to, the implementation and financial plans for the assurances.
In the same vein, the Committee is calling upon the Leader of Government Business in the House to ensure that where any assurance cannot be fulfilled on account of changes in policy, the House is notified through an appropriate statement on the floor of the House by the concerned Minister in a timely manner, in order to avert a situation where the Committee continues to pursue the implementation of such an assurance.
CONCLUSION In conclusion, the Committee bemoans the Executive’s failure to implement most of the assurances made on the floor of the House, as can be evidenced in the Committee’s Report.

In some cases, assurances have been outstanding for over ten years apparently due to financial constraints.

Consequently, out of the 180 outstanding assurances, only sixteen were closed by the Committee during the period under review.
Going by the slow pace at 149 which assurances are being implemented, it appears that they are made with no real intention to implement them.

Therefore, the Committee urges the Executive to endeavour holding back on making promises on the floor of the House where there are no confirmed financial resources to implement the projects.

Finally, the Committee wishes to express its sincere appreciation to you Madam Speaker, for the guidance rendered to it during the Session.
The Committee further wishes to extend its gratitude to all the stakeholders who appeared before it and made both written and oral submissions.

The Committee also wishes to thank the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly for the advice and services rendered to it throughout its deliberations.
E Kamondo, MP CHAIRPERSON June, 2022 LUSAKA APPENDIX I List of Officials Mr F Nabulyato, Acting Principal Clerk of Committees (SC) Mrs C Mumba, Acting Deputy Principal Clerk of Committees (SC) Mrs A M Banda, Senior Committee Clerk (SC) Mrs M H Mweele, Committee Clerk Ms C Chibuye, Administrative Assistant Mr Kantumoya, Parliamentary Messenger 150 151